What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual Career Coach position at Town of East Hartford?
The Town of East Hartford is seeking a full-time, in-person Bilingual Career Coach (Spanish) to provide individualized and small-group assistance to East Hartford residents seeking career support. In this role, you will help participants identify career paths, develop actionable career plans and job search strategies, and create application materials necessary for a successful job search and career advancement.
This is a durational (1-year), grant-funded position with a flexible schedule to be determined by mutual agreement between the candidate and the East Hartford Public Library. The position is 35 hours per week, offers standard benefits, and pays $29.12 per hour. The Bilingual Career Coach reports to the Head of Workforce Development & Digital Inclusion, a department within the East Hartford Public Library.
We are looking for someone who can think, act, and communicate in ways that respect ethnic, cultural, and language diversity, and who can develop an understanding of different class and cultural backgrounds. Be part of our mission to empower our community and drive positive change!
Application Instructions:
Please submit an original cover letter and resume with your application.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The Town of East Hartford proudly stands as an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a work environment free from discrimination. We firmly uphold the principles of equality, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is unwavering, and we enthusiastically encourage applicants from all walks of life to join our team.
- Initiate, receive, and respond to inquiries from Spanish-speaking and other job-seeking clients.
- Assist clients in creating and refining application materials—such as resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and other job search documents—using best practices (with support as needed).
- Provide individualized coaching on interview preparation and job search strategies (with support as needed).
- Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions, assessments, and progress using web-based project management tools.
- Prepare narrative and statistical reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Town departments, including Youth and Social Services and Digital Navigation, to coordinate referrals and additional support services.
- Communicate and collaborate with external referral resources relevant to job seekers (e.g., legal aid, training programs).
- Participate in professional development and training opportunities related to workforce development.
- Support outreach and communication efforts for Spanish-speaking clients, including developing programs, marketing materials, and community engagement initiatives.
- Perform additional administrative tasks as assigned by the Head of Workforce Development & Digital Inclusion.
- Spanish-language and English-language fluency required (written, verbal).
- Empathy, patience, and a passion for helping individuals achieve their career goals.
- Strong customer service and organizational skills, and high attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to establish trust with clients of varied education and cultural backgrounds, while maintaining confidentiality.
- Positive attitude, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of humor.
- Ability to creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle a variety of stressful situations in a professional and positive manner.
- Ability to establish appropriate boundaries with clients.
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively.
- Experience with case management preferred, specifically regarding guidance, mentorship, or coaching/counseling for individuals entering and advancing in the workforce.
- Program and/or workforce development experience preferred, including the ability to create individual employment plans.
- Knowledge of computer applications (MS Suite), as well as the ability and interest in staying current with new technologies and resources.
- Ability to professionally work with library staff, community stakeholders, and the general public.
- Knowledge of basic online job seeking resources and the ability to learn how to integrate new tools into practice.
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Town of East Hartford may find appropriate and acceptable
Qualifications
- Education & Experience:
- High school diploma and a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; OR
- Four (4) years of college with some related experience; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Preferred: Professional credentials or certifications in resume writing and career coaching.
Soft Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to build rapport and maintain positive relationships with diverse populations.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Cultural competency and sensitivity when working with Spanish-speaking clients.
Technical Skills:
- Fluency in English and Spanish (spoken and written).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
- Familiarity with web-based project management and client tracking tools.
- Knowledge of job search platforms (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn) and digital career resources.
- Ability to create and edit professional resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
- Basic understanding of workforce development trends and employment best practices.
Salary : $45,500 - $54,600