Entry Level Community Development Jobs in Michigan

OUR ORGANIZATION:
Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.

OUR TEAM:

The Michigan Works! team is dedicated to developing the local workforce and building a strong talent pipeline to meet the current and future needs of regional employers. We support jobseekers of all skill levels in securing sustainable, long-term employment through individualized coaching, training scholarships for high-demand occupations, and placement into paid on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities. In partnership with the Business Solutions Team, we collaborate closely with local employers to attract, retain, and develop talent through comprehensive workforce strategies, including apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs from entry-level to professional careers.

OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES:

Our long-term goal is to strengthen economic growth and vitality in Southwest Michigan by expanding access to high-demand career pathways. The Apprenticeship Specialist will support career seekers, incumbent workers, and local employers by advancing training opportunities that create new pathways, enhance workforce stability, and meet regional industry needs.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

The Apprenticeship Development Specialist is a key member of the Michigan Works! team, responsible for supporting the development and implementation of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs through comprehensive, end-to-end case management. This role manages apprenticeship data across the full lifecycle—from enrollment and ongoing case management to completion or exit—while collaborating closely with leadership and Kinexus Group partners. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and analytical, with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to drive data-informed program success.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Manages data in CRM systems for both internal and external as needed.
• Enroll participants in apprenticeship programs and cases manage them to achieve successful outcomes.
• Works alongside the BSM's to support the strategy and grow the apprenticeship service.
• Supports the internal referral process working alongside the apprenticeship development coordinator and manager.
• Works alongside BSM's to ensure smooth relationship management with local employers.
• Assists with developing a communication strategy for apprenticeships.
• Collaborates on sector level activities and events related to apprenticeships including race to talent.
• Ensures accurate and timely data entry across all required systems; maintain complete and compliant participant files and conduct monthly audits to ensure data integrity and adherence to program requirements.
• Utilize assessment tools to evaluate participant skills, interests, and abilities; assist with individualized career planning; and provide continuous monitoring and support throughout the career development process.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of workforce development programs, including WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), Apprenticeship Building America (ABA), and other applicable funding sources as awarded.
• Manage the full lifecycle of case management activities for participants enrolled in apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience in business, human services, workforce development, or a related field
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Passionate about serving others and the community
• Capability to work in a team environment
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to adapt to change and work in a fast-paced environment
• Solid computer skills in Microsoft, Excel, Power Point and virtual meeting platforms

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Two years of professional experience in business, social services, workforce development, or a related field
• Prior case management experience
• Experience applying case management principles within a project management framework

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times.
• Must be willing and able to travel approximately 30% of the time between Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Flexible and open.
• Periodic telecommute work.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• A robust onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.
• Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies.
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role.
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers.
• Exceptional benefits.
• Be a part of transformational change in Michigan.

We have unique culture that requires individuals to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and/or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.