Employer Engagement Specialist, UPWARD – Prison Education Program – FTT

Under the general direction and supervision of the Dean of Public Safety & Correctional Education, the Employer Engagement Specialist develops and sustains partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and community organizations to expand equitable employment opportunities for justice-impacted students. This full-time, temporary grant-funded position plays a critical role in strengthening SCC’s reentry workforce pathways by connecting education to meaningful, livable-wage employment opportunities and fostering employer participation in fair-chance hiring practices.

The Specialist coordinates pre- and post-release employment support for UPWARD participants, identifies reentry-welcoming employers statewide, and assists students in transitioning into the workforce following release. This position also supports data collection and program evaluation to measure employment outcomes and inform continuous improvement.

This position is temporary and grant-funded for one year from the date of hire.

Essential Functions

Employer and Industry Engagement

• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers and industries that offer reentry-welcoming, livable-wage opportunities aligned with SCC’s 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 College’s policies and programming related to access, fair employment, and equal opportunities for all.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree* in Human Services, Counseling, Business, Workforce Development, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
2. Two (2) years of professional experience in employer relations, workforce development, or reentry services.
3. Must possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license and the ability to qualify for auto insurance to travel to correctional facilities and SCC campuses.
4. 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.