Workforce Development Specialist

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team! If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team! WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation. Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share. Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the state of Maine.

Position Summary:

The Workforce Development Specialist will work with the Director of HR & Talent Development and the Training & Development Specialist to develop and maintain systematic processes to identify individual staff competencies and gaps compared to national standards and institute culturally informed training and development programs, education, and process evaluation tools to build workforce capacity of qualified public health workers. They will also develop and maintain partnerships with the Wabanaki communities, academic institutions, Workforce Development providers, vocational rehabilitation, and others to assess and identify training needs, provide training and development opportunities, and create internships, fellowships, post-graduation programs, and other work experiences in public health. There is the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement with a mix of remote work and work at our Bangor location on Central Street.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the identification and incorporation of core and discipline-specific competencies for public health professionals in job descriptions and performance evaluations.
• Provide comprehensive evaluation of employment and training needs through interviewing and assessment tools to determine core competencies and skillsets of Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) staff and Wabanaki community members interested in working in public health. This includes the identification, development, and delivery of assessment tools.
• Assist with the creation of Individual Development Plans for WPHW staff and Wabanaki community members interested in careers in public health.
• Assist with the identification of Wabanaki community members interested in working in public health.
• Identify/Develop appropriate and culturally informed resources and process evaluation tools to bridge competency and skill gaps. Create and/or acquire training materials, guides and course materials that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. Assess training materials prepared by others for quality assurance elements and cultural alignment, seeking feedback from stakeholders and analyzing training data to promote continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain partnerships within the Wabanaki communities, academic institutions, Workforce Development providers, vocational rehabilitation, local public health businesses, and others to assess and identify training needs, provide training and development opportunities, and promote/create internships, fellowships, post-graduation programs, and other work experiences in public health.
• May facilitate group or individual training sessions, workshops, or other development opportunities.
• May assist participants with applications for employment, job searches, resume preparation and other related activities.
• May assist in coordination or referral of services with other agencies and programs to provide counseling and support for customers with employment or educational barriers.
• Assesses program and participant needs to be responsive in refining and updating program processes, materials, design, and delivery, as well as explore alternative methods of delivery of services.
• Ensures compliance with grant terms, conditions, and requirements.
• May assist in performing outreach to special groups to provide information, follow-up on initial contact, or encourage the use of services. May assist in hiring activities such as job fairs.
• Maintain records of training and development activities, attendance, results of tests/assessments, and retraining requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• Graduation from a two-year college or equivalent is preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• Two years of related work experience is preferred.

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Knowledge of Workforce Development programs, services, interviewing and assessment techniques and performance.
• Experience coordinating and managing programs and projects. Proven ability to effectively accomplish goals and deliverables and meet deadlines. Highly organized, proven ability to apply analytical skills, and pay close attention to detail.
• Experience collaborating and developing/maintaining strong relationships with external partners and stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrate qualities of leadership, initiative, and broad knowledge and skills to collaborate and coordinate resources. Excellent customer service skills and keen appreciation for follow up and follow through.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to generate clear, concise information and to vary writing styles to meet the needs of a variety of audiences. Speak effectively and deliver presentations to businesses, community, and industry partners. Effectively present and deliver trainings. Ability to provide guidance and training to a wide variety of audiences.
• Initiative to create and develop new processes, procedures, and policies.
• Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality, credibility, and professionalism.
• Ability to identify, assess, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

• Must successfully pass background check.

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.