Workforce Development Specialist (Career Coach)

Job Title: Workforce Development Specialist Location: Hybrid; based in Englewood, CO Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually About Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado POSITION DESCRIPTION Job Title: Workforce Development Specialist Location: Hybrid; based in Englewood, CO Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually About Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with criminal histories as they transform their lives — and to shifting community perceptions of those who are incarcerated. Our holistic model includes In-facility career education Community engagement Reentry support Fair-opportunity hiring Criminal justice advocacy Breakthrough delivers two distinct in-facility education programs: The Pathway (12 weeks): focused on soft skills, career readiness, and reentry planning for people nearing release. The Challenge (32 weeks): develops character and job readiness before deepening the entrepreneurial mindset. Community volunteers support milestone events — including Mock Interview Day, Business Pitch Bootcamp, and Graduation — providing coaching while helping shift perceptions. As people return home through The Return , we offer lifetime care management, stability check-ins, and connections to wraparound partners, with an emphasis on economic mobility. Our Fair Opportunity Hiring initiative equips employer partners to hire and retain individuals impacted by the legal system, and we complement direct services with advocacy and community education to advance a fairer legal system. We believe in humans and in our shared humanity because we know that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and challenged to rise above their past to break through to a better tomorrow. Mission To empower individuals in the criminal legal system to achieve their highest potential through in-prison education, community reintegration, and professional development, breaking barriers and building skills for lifelong transformation. Values Optimism: We have a radical hope for tomorrow. Inclusivity: We accept people as they are — all humans are worthy of humanity. Empathy: Our empathy is audacious, courageous, bold, and relentless. We are open to ideas that challenge our worldview. Responsibility: We do not back down from the difficult or ignore mistakes. Position Summary As a Workforce Development Specialist at Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado, you will serve as a bridge between returning participants and meaningful career opportunities, including workforce and skilled-trades pathways. You will work closely with participants to understand their experience, strengths, and goals, then guide them through each stage of career planning, job readiness, and placement. From interview preparation and résumé development to barrier navigation and post-placement support, you will help ensure participants are equipped for long-term success. This is a highly collaborative role that requires building strong relationships with Fair Chance Employers, Community-Based Organizations, and internal staff to connect participants with opportunities aligned with their goals. Key Responsibilities Perform career-readiness assessments for returning participants, helping them identify goals, navigate resources, and build a strong foundation for success Provide one-on-one career coaching to assess participants' skills, interests, and experience, and support them in overcoming barriers to employment through job-search strategies, referrals, and connections to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities Partner with the Department of Corrections, Fair Chance Employers, and Community-Based Organizations to identify and secure employment opportunities aligned with participants' goals Help prepare participants for positions developed through employer partnerships and support strong, thoughtful job matching Support participants in securing full-time, industry-focused employment opportunities that align with Breakthrough's ABC to employment model and contribute to long-term career growth Collaborate with stakeholders to build a pipeline to employment prior to release, including coordinating pre-release interviews and employment connection opportunities between participants and employer partners Deliver employability-skills training and workshops on interviewing, résumé writing, professionalism, and other essential job-readiness topics Host and coordinate career fairs and alumni events that strengthen participant engagement and employer connection Maintain regular follow-up contact with participants after placement to monitor progress, support retention, and address challenges that may affect employment stability Represent Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado at conferences, career fairs, community events, and industry functions as a Breakthrough ambassador Build relationships with employers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders while elevating the strengths and potential of the participants we serve Track coaching activity, job placement, and employment outcomes in the organization's CRM system Maintain accurate program files and support reporting, compliance, and data integrity efforts Work closely with the Director of Programs and Services and the Reentry team to align participant employment needs with employer partnerships, recruitment efforts, and workforce trends Foster strong internal communication to support seamless coordination and continuous improvement Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Programs and Services Candidate Profile and Qualifications 3+ years of experience in career coaching, counseling, workforce development, or a related field; bachelor's degree in a related field preferred Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust, provide guidance, and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds Demonstrated ability to collaborate respectfully with internal team members, external partners, and stakeholders in a positive, productive manner Experience developing employer and community partnerships and connecting participants to jobs that align with their skills, interests, and career goals Familiarity with workforce training programs, apprenticeship pathways, and the construction or skilled-trades sector strongly preferred Proficiency in Google Workspace and CRM systems such as Apricot or similar platforms for documentation, tracking, and reporting Skilled in facilitating workshops, coaching sessions, or group activities in ways that engage adult learners and support meaningful participation Personal or professional fluency with the criminal legal system required; familiarity with the Department of Corrections preferred Lived experience or direct impact from the justice system is highly valued Organized, systems-minded, and able to develop or strengthen repeatable processes that support program quality, sustainability, and growth Able to work independently, take initiative, solve problems creatively, and remain resourceful in a nonprofit environment Mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to maintaining strong professional boundaries, sound judgment, and participant-centered practice Passion for helping participants succeed, with a commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional growth Must have a valid driver's license Travel Breakthrough's office is located at The Guild, 3435 S. Inca St. Apt. C, Englewood, CO 80110 . We operate under a hybrid model that includes both remote and in-person work, with the expectation that staff will work from the office at least 3 days per week . Regular on-site presence is essential to support the team and maintain strong relationships with participants and partners. Travel may be required to meet with Fair Chance Employers and Community-Based Organizations and to visit correctional facilities as part of in-reach career-readiness and placement efforts. Physical Requirements This role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting. Employees must be able to regularly lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds , with or without reasonable accommodation. Compensation and Benefits The compensation for this position is competitive with other similarly sized, professionally managed nonprofits. Salary range: $55,000–$65,000 annually We provide a comprehensive employee benefits package, including: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage Employer-paid long-term disability and term life insurance Unlimited paid time off A dedicated annual budget for professional development and career growth Participation in Colorado SecureSavings, a state-sponsored IRA program J-18808-Ljbffr