Scholar Success Coach - Chicago Illinois

Scholar Success Coach - Chicago AreaMissionDwyer Workforce Development’s (DWD) mission is to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviating a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improving the lives of seniors and the community.Our ValuesAt Dwyer Workforce Development, How We Work Matters As Much As What We Achieve. Every Team Member Is Expected To Operate In Alignment With Our Core Values Integritydoing the right thing even if no one is looking Empathyaction ruled compassion. Ingenuitybig ideas and solutions Accountabilityownership in every action Collaborationthe power of we over meThese values are not aspirational. They are expected and reflected in how we work every day.Position SummaryThe Employment Success Coach is responsible for preparing scholars for successful entry into the workforce, guiding them through the employment process, and supporting early career success and retention.This is a scholar-facing, employer-connected, and outcomes-driven role that bridges training completion to sustained employment. The Employment Success Coach translates training outcomes into job readiness, placement success, and long-term career pathways by providing individualized coaching, employer engagement, and direct advocacy.The role extends beyond placement to actively representing scholars in the labor market—engaging employers, presenting scholar talent, and influencing hiring outcomes—while also delivering early-stage intervention support to ensure scholars remain on track toward employment success.Position ResponsibilitiesJob Readiness and Workforce PreparationPrepare scholars for workforce entry through structured job readiness programming, including resume development, interview preparation, and professional communication. Assess scholar readiness for employment and identify any remaining gaps in soft skills, confidence, or workplace expectations. Deliver coaching on workplace norms and employer expectations specific to healthcare environments. Ensure scholars are fully prepared to successfully navigate and compete in the hiring process. Employment Placement and Job MatchingGuide scholars through the full employment process, from job search through offer acceptance. Match scholars with appropriate job opportunities based on skills, readiness, preferences, and employer needs. Support application processes, interview coordination, and followup communications. Track placement outcomes and ensure efficient transitions from training completion to employment. Scholar Coaching, Career Navigation and Early InterventionProvide individualized coaching to help scholars define and pursue career pathways within healthcare. Identify early signs of disengagement, risk, or barriers that may impact employment readiness or success. Deliver initial intervention support to address emerging challenges (e.g., attendance issues, confidence barriers, job search stagnation). Escalate complex or ongoing needs to Case Managers or appropriate teams for deeper intervention. Advise scholars on career progression, longterm opportunities, and advancement strategies. Employer Engagement, Advocacy and RepresentationAttend employer meetings, hiring events, and partner engagements to represent and advocate for DWD scholars. Present scholar candidates to employers, effectively communicating their strengths, readiness, and potential. Serve as a liaison between scholars and employers to ensure alignment and successful placements. Advocate for equitable hiring practices and ensure scholars are positioned competitively in the job market. Partner with the Employer Account Team to align talent supply with employer demand. Collaboration with the partner success teamCross-Functional Collaboration and Ecosystem AlignmentCollaborate with career counselors, case managers, and training teams to ensure scholars are holistically prepared for employment. Partner with the Community Engagement Team to provide insights on scholar success, barriers, and workforce readiness trends. Contribute to outreach strategies by advising on scholar needs and community dynamics. Ensure seamless coordination across departments from training through employment. Employment Retention and Early Career SupportMonitor scholar progress during early employment to support retention and longterm success. Provide followup coaching and lighttouch intervention when workplace challenges arise. Serve as a point of contact for employers to address earlystage performance concerns. Identify retention risks and coordinate support to stabilize employment outcomes. Data Tracking, Outcomes and Continuous ImprovementTrack key employment metrics, including placement rates, timetoplacement, and retention outcomes. Maintain accurate documentation of scholar engagement and employer interactions. Analyze trends to refine job readiness and placement strategies. Contribute to continuous improvement of employment outcomes and employer satisfaction. Licensure / Certification / RegistrationValid Driver’s License and regular access to a vehicle required. QualificationsBachelor’s degree in human services, workforce development, business, or related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Minimum of 35 years of experience in workforce development, career coaching, job placement, or related fieldExperience providing coaching and light intervention support to individuals facing barriers. Demonstrated experience engaging with employers and participating in hiring processes. Strong communication and presentation skills. Ability to build trust with both scholars and employers. Experience working with diverse or underserved populations. Proficiency in CRM or data systems (e.g., Salesforce preferred). Strong organizational and multitasking abilities. High level of empathy, professionalism, and accountability. Ability to travel regularly in the Chicago areaEqual Employment Opportunity: Dwyer Workforce Development is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.Sponsorship in US: Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship.