Employer Engagement Specialist, UPWARD – Prison Education Program – FTT

Essential Functions
Employer and Industry Engagement Develop and maintain partnerships with employers and industries that offer reentry-welcoming livable-wage opportunities aligned with SCCs programs of study. Facilitate connections between employers faculty and students to align training programs with local and state labor market demands. Provide employers with education on fair-chance hiring the Work Opportunity Tax Credit ( WOTC ) and Federal Bonding Programs. Collaborate with workforce boards chambers of commerce and reentry coalitions to expand the employer network. Career Development and Student Support Work with justice-involved students during the six months prior to release and up to 18 months post-release to support employment readiness. Coordinate and deliver employment workshops mock interviews and resume-building sessions. Assist students in obtaining employment documentation interview and work attire and required PPE . Connect students to supportive resources such as transportation transitional housing and community-based services to ensure successful reentry. Data Evaluation and Reporting Track employer engagement activities student job placements and employment retention outcomes. Collaborate with Institutional Research to measure impact including employment continued education and recidivism data. Contribute to annual reports grant evaluations and program improvement initiatives. Collaboration and Communication Serve as liaison among SCC NDCS employers and community organizations to coordinate reentry employment strategies. Participate in regular UPWARD team meetings and contribute to cross-functional projects that enhance reentry programming. Represent SCC and the UPWARD program at job fairs community events and professional meetings. Program Development and Sustainability Contribute to developing scalable models for employer partnerships that can be replicated statewide. Support the sustainability of the position by documenting outcomes successes and best practices for future funding and institutionalization. Promote a Culture of Belonging Support and promote an environment of belonging where all students faculty members and college employees feel welcomed valued and empowered to contribute. Foster a community where each individual and their varied perspectives enrich the educational experience and create a safe and respectful environment. Support the Colleges policies and programming related to access fair employment and equal opportunities for all.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree* in Human Services Counseling Business Workforce Development Criminal Justice or a related field. Two (2) years of professional experience in employer relations workforce development or reentry services. Must possess and maintain a current valid drivers license and the ability to qualify for auto insurance to travel to correctional facilities and SCC campuses. Must be able to enter Nebraska Correctional Facilities as a Community Partner Volunteer * An Associate degree plus three or more years of related experience may substitute.