Workforce board seeks career coach proposals

SALEM – The North Shore Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is looking for a few good career coaches.Mary Sarris, WIB executive director, explained that a successful career coach must have the knowledge, skills and tools to enable them to assume a very complex role. A coach must have extensive knowledge of the health labor market and the health education system, well-honed coaching skills, and an ability to guide and lead, she said.According to Sarris, WIB is the lead partner in a Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grant, which is providing on-line and face-to-face college preparatory classes, using primarily through an innovative learning strategy entitled the Health Care Learning Network. Career Coaching is a service to be provided through this project to help these students/employees stay on their chosen career path and successfully attain career goals, she said.Interested parties should contact David McDonald at (978) 741-3805, or by checking our Web site at www.northshorewib.com regarding the specific details for submitting a formal proposal.WIB, through the city of Salem as its fiscal agent, is seeking a project coordinator. This individual will be responsible for the project coordination of the Health Care Learning Network – North Shore.The overall goal of the North Shore project is to develop and implement a customized on-line and face-to-face system through which health care workers, specifically certified nurse assistants, can gain the academic skills necessary to go to college and ultimately fill a growing industry need for licensed practical nurses and other allied health occupations. Given that our current educational system does not support adults with this type of customized industry-learning need, this grant will provide resources that put such a system of education in place, Sarris said.According to McDonald, the project coordinator will ensure that all partners, including seven long-term care facilities, are fully engaged in implementing this program model, so that project goals are reached and the grant ends with a system in place to continue its activities well into the future. This individual will coordinate, motivate, and oversee the work of the various project partners.The candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field and experience in workforce development system. Experience in the long-term health care field is a plus. The position is 32 hours per week. For a more detailed job description, position requirements, and salary information, call McDonald or check the WIB Web site. Resume and cover letter are due by March 12.