Employment Specialist

Women’s Employment Network (WEN)

Status: Full time
Reports to: AI & Digital Programs Lead, under the guidance of the Chief Program Officer
Salary: $47,000–$50,000 annually, based on experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri | In person

Purpose of the Position

The Employment Specialist helps women build confidence, strengthen career readiness skills, and secure and maintain sustainable employment. This position serves as WEN’s primary facilitator of employment programming at community partner agencies and provides on-site, one-on-one employment coaching for participants. The Employment Specialist also supports clients and programming at WEN and virtually, working closely with the program team to ensure consistent services and participant follow-through.

Key Responsibilities

Partner Agency Programming and Employment Support

• Take primary responsibility for facilitating WEN’s established employment programming at partner agencies using existing curriculum, materials, and facilitation guides.

• Create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment and adapt delivery to participants’ learning needs while maintaining program objectives.

• Coordinate workshop schedules, coaching appointments, space, materials, and participant communication with partner staff and WEN’s program leadership.

• Provide scheduled, on-site, one-on-one employment coaching and ongoing participant follow-up at partner locations.

• Collaborate with partner staff to address employment barriers and connect participants with resources while maintaining clear boundaries between WEN’s employment services and the partner agency’s case management responsibilities.

Individualized Employment Support

• Help clients identify strengths, assess employment needs, set career goals, and develop practical action plans.

• Provide resume and cover letter assistance, job search guidance, application support, interview preparation, and support evaluating employment opportunities.

• Help clients navigate online applications, digital job search platforms, and other employment tools.

• Identify barriers to employment and connect clients with appropriate WEN services and community resources.

• Follow up with clients to support progress, gather employment updates, and address challenges related to maintaining employment.

• Identify clients who may qualify for the Special Assistance Fund and make recommendations through WEN’s established approval process.

Program Facilitation and Digital Support

• Facilitate established career readiness workshops at WEN and virtually, in addition to primary responsibilities at partner agencies.

• Prepare materials, support participant check-in, manage session logistics, and provide backup facilitation as needed.

• Support participants in accessing virtual workshops and WEN Courses On Demand.

• Learn and use AI and digital tools relevant to employment services, with training and guidance from the AI & Digital Programs Lead.

• Help participants use AI tools appropriately for employment activities, including reviewing generated content for accuracy and protecting personal information.

Client Engagement

• Maintain consistent communication with participants to encourage attendance, engagement, and progress toward employment goals.

• Provide respectful, strengths-based support that recognizes participants’ experiences, needs, and goals.

• Serve as a dependable point of contact and coordinate follow-up with WEN staff and partner agencies as appropriate.

Documentation and Outcomes

• Maintain accurate and timely participant records, service notes, attendance, referrals, and follow-up activities in WEN’s designated systems.

• Track employment outcomes, including placements, wages, and employment retention updates, according to program requirements.

• Provide information needed for program evaluation, reporting, and funding requirements.

• Maintain client confidentiality and handle participant information appropriately.

Team Collaboration

• Coordinate with the AI & Digital Programs Lead, Chief Program Officer, Program Specialist, and other program staff to support consistent service delivery.

• Communicate participant needs, scheduling concerns, and service challenges promptly and use established channels for guidance.

• Maintain professional boundaries and work within WEN’s defined service scope.

• Participate in training and cross-training to strengthen facilitation, employment coaching, AI and digital skills, and knowledge of community resources.

Qualifications

Required

• Relevant experience in employment services, career coaching, social services, adult education, group facilitation, or a related field.

• Ability to facilitate engaging group learning experiences using established curriculum and provide individualized support.

• Strong interpersonal, listening, written communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and support individuals experiencing barriers to employment.

• Comfort using Google Workspace, Zoom, and online systems, with a willingness to learn AI tools and client data platforms.

• Ability to manage appointments, follow through on commitments, maintain accurate documentation, and work effectively across multiple service locations.

• Ability to travel to partner agencies and other program locations within the Kansas City metro area.

• Commitment to WEN’s mission and a collaborative, participant-centered approach.

Preferred

• Degree in social work, social services, education, workforce development, business, or a related field. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience is welcome.

• Experience providing resume assistance, interview preparation, job search support, or employment coaching.

• Experience facilitating workshops in community settings.

• Familiarity with Kansas City area community resources.

Work Environment

This position works across WEN’s office, community partner locations, and virtual settings. Regular on-site programming and one-on-one employment coaching at partner agencies are core responsibilities. The Employment Specialist must be comfortable facilitating in person and online, managing shifting priorities, and coordinating services across locations. Occasional evening or weekend activities may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with WEN covering 75% of employee-only medical premiums

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• 10 paid holidays and additional organizational time off

• SIMPLE IRA participation with employer match after two years of service

How to Apply

Email your cover letter and resume to Amy Coleman-Miller at acolemanmiller@kcwen.org with “Employment Specialist Application” in the subject line. Please include both documents so we can fully consider your application. No phone calls, please.