A Human Resources Specialist works for a human resources department to implement the provisions of a labor contract, including employee wages and benefits and other practices that are collectively bargained; may also handle an internal grievance process established under a labor contract.
Workforce Development Specialist (2 Openings) Urban League of West Michigan - 4.5 Grand Rapids, MI Job Details Full-time $52,000 - $54,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits 403(b) matching Mileage reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 403(b) Life insurance Qualifications Professional networking Teamwork Human Services Social Work Business Full Job Description Position Overview The Urban League of West Michigan is seeking two Workforce Development Specialists to join our growing Workforce Development team. These positions play a critical role in connecting individuals to career opportunities while strengthening partnerships with employers and community stakeholders. While both positions share responsibility for participant support, career pathway development, workforce programming, and case management, each role will have a primary area of focus : Position Focus Areas 1. Candidate Development & Career Coaching Provides career coaching, workforce readiness training, and individualized employment planning. Supports participants in overcoming barriers, building professional skills, and navigating education and employment pathways. Facilitates workshops, assessments, job search preparation, and career advancement planning. 2. Employer Partnerships & Talent Development Builds and maintains relationships with employers and industry partners. Identifies workforce needs, talent gaps, and hiring trends. Develops employment opportunities, work-based learning experiences, and talent pipelines that connect employers to qualified candidates. Both specialists will collaborate closely to ensure participants are prepared for available opportunities, and employers have access to qualified talent. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter, application, or interview which focus area most closely aligns with their experience, interests, and career goals.
Essential Responsibilities for both roles:
Participant Services & Case Management Assess participant skills, interests, employment goals, and barriers. Develop individualized employment and career success plans. Provide career coaching, workforce readiness support, and ongoing guidance. Track participant progress, maintain accurate records, and document outcomes. Connect participants with supportive services, training programs, educational opportunities, and community resources. Support job placement, retention, and career advancement. Employer & Community Engagement Build and maintain productive relationships with employers, educational institutions, and community partners. Coordinate recruitment activities, hiring events, career fairs, and workforce development initiatives. Assess workforce needs and identify opportunities for collaboration. Promote workforce development programming and career pathway opportunities. Facilitate connections between employers and qualified workforce participants. Workforce Development Programming Support workforce readiness training, workshops, and career exploration activities. Assist participants in pursuing certifications, credentials, and industry-recognized training opportunities. Stay informed on labor market trends, workforce demands, and emerging career pathways. Collaborate with internal and external partners to align programming with employer needs and participant goals. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Education, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Experience in workforce development, career coaching, talent acquisition, recruiting, employer engagement, community outreach, case management, education, training, or related fields. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively coach, motivate, and support diverse individuals. Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills. Strong organizational and documentation skills. Ability to manage multiple participant cases and priorities simultaneously. Knowledge of workforce development systems, labor market trends, and career pathways. Experience building partnerships with employers, educational institutions, or community organizations is preferred. Commitment to advancing economic opportunity and workforce equity. Success Measures Participant engagement and satisfaction Employment placement and retention outcomes Credential and certification attainment Employer engagement and satisfaction Growth of workforce partnerships Successful completion of workforce development programming Working Conditions Full-time onsite position. Primarily Monday through Friday schedule. Some evening and weekend activities may be required. Ability to move throughout community locations and event sites as needed. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. How to Apply The Urban League of West Michigan is hiring two Workforce Development Specialists . While all team members will support participant success and workforce programming, one position will have a greater emphasis on candidate development and career coaching , while the other will focus more heavily on employer partnerships and talent development . Please be prepared to discuss which focus area best aligns with your experience, strengths, and professional interests if you are selected for an interview.
Pay:
$52,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year
Benefits:
403(b) 403(b) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
