Military to Civilian Advocate

Job Description

Job Description JOB SUMMARY: The Military to Civilian Advocate provides comprehensive career, training, and transition assistance to transitioning service members, recently separated veterans, and military spouses. This position delivers intensive career advising, case management, and employment readiness services designed to support successful transition into civilian careers for service members and their spouses. The Advocate serves as the designated liaison between military installations, community partners, training providers, and employers to promote employment, education, and training opportunities for military-connected individuals. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Outreach, recruit, and enroll new customers into the Military to Civilian Employment Program in accordance with grant award requirements and in conjunction with other workforce programs and partnerships as applicable. Conduct comprehensive intake and assessment interviews with transitioning service members (TSMs), recently separated veterans (RSVs), and military spouses to evaluate education, work history, interests, and transferable skills. Develop individualized employment and training plans that identify barriers, establish self-sufficiency goals, and connect customers with appropriate resources and services. Provide one-on-one and group career counseling, including résumé and interview preparation, job search techniques, and professional branding support. Determine eligibility for the use of Military to Civilian Grant funds and/or other workforce development programs and coordinate access to supportive services, training, and other resources as applicable. Partner with the Business Solutions Unit (BSU) to identify job opportunities aligned with participant skills and training and proactively screen, match, and refer qualified participants to suitable job openings. Identify and refer eligible participants to training opportunities, including occupational skills training, work-based learning, and employability skill development opportunities as applicable. Prepare and submit Individual Training Accounts (ITAs), supportive service requests, and other grant-funded assistance in accordance with program policy as applicable. Facilitate connection to education, certification, or licensure programs that align with the customer’s career pathway and educate customers on additional resources such as financial aid, scholarships, and veteran-specific benefits. Coordinate with educational and training vendors, employers, and community partners to ensure participant progress and completion of academic or occupational goals using a results-centered approach. Coordinate and/or represent the agency at base events, military spouse clubs, networking opportunities, community functions, etc. to outreach and recruit new potential customers and promote awareness of available workforce services. Develop and sustain relationships with Dyess Air Force Base personnel, National Guard and Reserve units, and Department of Defense Transition Assistance and Family Support Centers. Maintain an active caseload and ensure documentation and data entry are completed accurately and timely in all case management systems (e.g., Work In Texas). KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES: Knowledge of military culture, transition challenges, and spouse employment barriers. Ability to assess career readiness and translate military skills into civilian career pathways. Knowledge of workforce development, economic development, and project management. Knowledge of effective conflict resolution practices, or individual case management and career counseling. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, technology, and computer skills. Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills. Able to work with diverse customers with unique needs and communication styles. Can effectively handle or resolve stressful or challenging situations with difficult customers. Is sensitive to customer needs and feelings and demonstrates concern for others. Excellent case management, analytical and critical thinking skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, Board staff, and the public. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in workforce development, counseling, social work, human resources, or a related field or previous related workforce experience strongly preferred. Veteran, transitioning service member, or current military spouse strongly preferred Must possess and maintain access to Dyess AFB (CAC or other military ID required). Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance with good driving record. Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical requirements include lifting to 10 pounds occasionally. Subject to standing, sitting, bending, and walking to perform job scope. Requires visual acuity, spe