Nicholas Bowers
Rockford
Summary
Perceptive professional, passionate about helping others reach personal and professional goals. Highly skilled at networking to build vital relationships with leading area employers. Strategic when placing clients in rewarding jobs based on skills, interests and abilities. Successful at coaching clients on resume writing, interviewing, time management and teamwork.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Jobs Plus Program Manager
Rockford Housing Authority
07.2024 - Current
- Organized workshops for career readiness and financial literacy for RHA residents.
- Developed and maintained relationships with area employers in order to organize and facilitate two community wide job fairs each year.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key employers and partners, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Developed grant work plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
Jobs Plus Employment Specialist
ROCKFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY
08.2022 - 07.2024
- Enhanced client employability by conducting thorough assessments and identifying individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Updated client records to reflect personal information, qualifications and career aspirations.
- Forged relationships with employers to gain insight into job openings and career opportunities.
- Tracked client progress through detailed case notes and regular follow-ups, ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Worked closely with government agencies such as workforce centers or vocational rehabilitation teams to maximize client resources and support.
- Coordinated onsite employer recruitment events that connected qualified candidates directly with hiring managers in target industries.
- Managed Jobs Plus community coaches schedules, activities, and pay stipends.
- Created partnerships and maintained relationships with employers and community partners to engage in hiring events and work with residents
- Compliance with all Department of Housing and Urban Development policies regarding residents and confidentiality
- Assisted clients with completing job applications and submitting resumes to improve interview chances.
Elevate Business Services Coordinator
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS
07.2019 - 07.2022
- Created working relationships with area employers for participant employment
- Worked collaboratively with Youth staff to create work-based learning opportunities for participants, including developing employment training plans to match career paths and skills
- Developed and maintained employer and participant databases.
- Worked regularly with planning for On the Job Training and Work Experience employer recruitment activities
- Adhered to all federal W.I.O.A. regulations and confidentiality guidelines.
- Supported human resources functions including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and performance evaluations.
Elevate Youth Career Counselor
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Developed ethical relationships with program participants to encourage motivation, attendance, and positive behavior
- Developed educational strategies and action plans to alleviate student barriers
- Established referral relationships with outside agencies and partners
- Weekly staffing of student behaviors and possible intervention strategies
- Accurately recorded monthly reporting numbers within grant requirements
- Daily work on state databases including Illinois Workforce Development System and Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Involved with community outreach and recruitment for new applicants
- Managed Youth Program Social Media pages, as well as Orientation scheduling application.
- Enhanced student career development by conducting individual counseling sessions and group workshops.
- Developed career and education plans based on individual needs.
Elevate Youth Intake Specialist
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
08.2013 - 07.2016
- Directed orientation / testing sessions regarding program benefits and eligibility
- Conduct one-on-one intake interview and assessment to create individual service strategy
- Created and maintain Elevate website and social media pages
- Provide support to administration and staff with scheduling and appointments
- Collect monthly data and case notes for program use and grant reporting.
Career Counselor Assistant / Student Work
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
07.2012 - 07.2013
- Maintained case notes and data base for program participants
- Acted as proctor; administered, scored and entered results for TABE testing
- Provided one-on-one support to program participants
- Created and maintained Excel and Access databases, including resumes for participants
- Organized and maintained file systems.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Columbia College
Columbia, MOAssociate of Arts - Human Services
Rock Valley College
Rockford, ILSkills
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Coaching
- Collaborating
- Prioritizing
- Career Assessment and Planning
- Decision Making
- Prioritizing
- Documentation
- Program Goals
- Career Pathway Guidance
- Record Keeping
- Confidentiality
- Job Development
Timeline
Jobs Plus Program Manager
Rockford Housing Authority
07.2024 - Current
Jobs Plus Employment Specialist
ROCKFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY
08.2022 - 07.2024
Elevate Business Services Coordinator
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS
07.2019 - 07.2022
Elevate Youth Career Counselor
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
07.2016 - 06.2019
Elevate Youth Intake Specialist
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
08.2013 - 07.2016
Career Counselor Assistant / Student Work
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
07.2012 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Columbia College
Associate of Arts - Human Services
Rock Valley College
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