Staff Positions Available

Nine Star Education & Employment Services offers a competitive salary and benefits package for full time staff members*, including optional medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance and long term disability coverage, 10 holidays, and an annual leave bank of twenty (20) days (prorated based on hire date/probation). After two full years of service each July 1, full time employees qualify for an additional leave day each fiscal year, up to ten (10) bonus leave days. We make a 403(b) plan available, as well as Flexible Spending Account for eligible employees. Add to that an excellent work environment with supportive supervisors and energetic coworkers, and you have one of the ingredients for Nine Star’s enduring success: our employees have a home with us as we all strive to make life better for our clients! Nine Star is simply an excellent place to work.

Work Services Specialist I

The Nine Star’s Work Services Specialist I provide Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) recipients who are unemployed and under-employed with the skills to obtain and retain employment and overcome barriers. Work Services Specialists I utilize a holistic approach to assist clients in achieving economic self-sufficiency.

Major Responsibilities

  • Implement principles of welfare reform and the work first philosophy while managing a caseload of ATAP recipients.
  • Application of the Nine Star’s Philosophy of Care: Compassion, Excellence, and Collaboration.
  • Meet or exceed the Work Services Performance Measures categories as defined by the Division of Public Assistance.
  • Obtain, track, monitor, and report ATAP client data for caseload according to the Alaska Work Verification Plan.
  • Assess clients to obtain employment, educational/training, family composition, support network, and other information to identify strengths/challenges/barriers, to achieving economic self-sufficiency.
  • Meets clients a minimum of once monthly as required.
  • Develop family Self-Sufficiency Plans to direct the activities of clients in moving toward economic self-sufficiency.
  • Monitors clients to ensure they are achieving goals that lead to employment.
  • Establish, maintain, and review client files as well as prepare data for required reports accurately and promptly.
  • Identify and appropriately manage angry or hostile clients in crisis.
  • Refer clients to appropriate community resources for services that address and meet specific needs as identified.
  • Refer clients to training projects that will lead to a higher level of self-sufficiency.
  • Prepare for and attend case review hearings with clients.
  • Participate as a team member in weekly program staff meetings and other meetings as required.
  • Works with other Nine Star Work Services staff as a team to collaborate and meet the needs of all clients.
  • Maintain connectivity with DPA eligibility staff in serving client needs.
  • Make client work site and home visits as necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and FileMaker Pro database.
  • Adept at working independently as well as with team members.
  • Possess excellent customer service skills.
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Able to organize and prioritize a variety of tasks.
  • Work with minimal supervision.
  • Able to coordinate multiple tasks and follow-up despite frequent interruptions.
  • Maintain a professional attitude with enthusiasm and dependability.
  • Exercise exceptional time management skills.
  • Flexible and willing to take on new tasks with eagerness to learn new skills as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Possess an Associate’s Degree in Human or Social Services, Vocational Education, or a related field.
  • Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements on a year-for-year basis.
  • Have a minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience in case management or related field.

This position offers you an opportunity to help move underemployed and unemployed job seekers to economic stability. If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, please, send your cover letter and resume to zoes@ninestar.org or fax to (907) 644-9925, ATT: Zoe.

CfWE - Career Coach / Instructor

JOB SUMMARY

The Career Coach/Instructor plays a vital frontline role in the day-to-day operations of Nine Star’s Center for Workforce Excellence. This position oversees and supports participants’ daily activities in Career Readiness services. Clients, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed, are provided with career exploration, workshops, vocational training research, career readiness coaching, life skills support, and career planning activities that equip them to make informed decisions about their career pathways. The Career Coach/Instructor works with clients individually and in group settings, delivering trauma-informed, client-centered services that foster resilience, work-life balance, and sustainable employment goals. This role is central to creating a positive, professional, and supportive environment that empowers clients to overcome barriers and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Consistently implement Nine Star’s Philosophy of Care, Compassion, Excellence, and Collaboration, across all client interactions and program services.
  • Assist clients upon arrival to the Career Center, ensuring they feel welcomed and are promptly connected to appropriate staff, programs, digital platforms, or community resources.
  • Support participants’ daily in the Career Center, including tracking and documenting attendance, participation, and progress in career readiness activities.
  • Develop and guide clients through personalized Career Navigation and Pathway plans.
  • Develop and monitor Career Action Plans, directing client activities to support achievement of employment, training, and career goals
  • Plan, prepare, and deliver workshops and trainings both in-person and virtually using platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet.
  • Provide individualized coaching, mentoring, peer tutoring, and group facilitation to support client skill development and career advancement.
  • Promote a welcoming, trauma-informed atmosphere by being empathetic, respectful, and culturally responsive.
  • Maintain an organized, professional, and resource-ready Career Center, ensuring technology and materials are up to date and accessible.
  • Participate actively in staff meetings, case staffing, and collaborative planning efforts to meet program and client needs.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of workforce development services, job readiness training, or adult education
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed practices or wraparound service models
  • Experience working with low-income individuals, individuals with barriers to employment, or reentry populations
  • Appreciates that flexibility includes adjusting work agendas and engaging in simple and complex tasks to support staff.
  • Demonstrates the ability to make sound decisions on complex assignments independently and/or with others.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human or Social Services, Vocational Education, Career Counseling, Community Development, or related field: relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis
  • Minimum three years of complex and detailed work history related to the areas here that apply to career services
  • Willing to submit to and pass a full criminal background check.
  • Must maintain a clean driving record and dependable vehicle to remain employed, as in-State road travel is required.
  • Prepared to adhere to a strict code of confidentiality and follow all related established policies and procedures.
  • Capable of working independently as well as closely with team members and/or multiple teams.
  • Full daily accountability and progress disclosure required to ensure all Nine Star and programmatic goals are met.

This position offers you an opportunity to help move the under- and unemployed job seeker to economic stability. If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, please, send your cover letter and resume to hr@ninestar.org.

CfWE - Lab & Employment Coach

JOB SUMMARY

The Lab & Employment Coach oversees the AHFC Computer Lab and empowers AHFC-assisted residents to reach their career and education milestones. Key responsibilities include delivering technology support, supports workforce readiness activities, and maintaining an environment conducive to learning. Working in partnership with AHFC personnel and Nine Star’s Center for Workforce Excellence (CfWE), the Coach also manages the site’s unique function as an authorized ACT WorkKeys Testing Center.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Lab & Program Operations

  • Utilize Nine Star’s Philosophy of Care by demonstrating compassion, excellence, and collaboration while supporting participant success.
  • Manage the daily operations of the AHFC Computer Lab.
  • Coordinate technical operations with Nine Star leadership and IT staff to ensure equipment and network functionality.
  • Monitor participant sign-in/sign-out and prepare monthly lab usage reports.
  • Maintain computer equipment, software, and inventory.
  • Perform routine software updates and basic computer maintenance.
  • Ensure the lab remains clean, organized, safe, and welcoming.
  • Monitor lab activity to ensure participants follow established computer lab policies.
  • Maintain the employment opportunity bulletin board with current job postings.
  • Assist with employment readiness coaching to help prepare individuals seeking employment.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Testing & Assessment Administration

  • Verify test-taker identity and communicate testing rules and procedures clearly.
  • Administer ACT WorkKeys assessments in accordance with certifying entity guidelines.
  • Maintain a quiet, distraction-free testing environment and monitor for compliance.
  • Accurately record attendance, scores, and case notes in CfWE tracking systems.
  • Forward completed assessment results to the Department of Labor when required.

Participant Support

  • Assist participants with computer access and basic technology support.
  • Provide assistance with JumpStart classes, Zoom, and other virtual learning platforms.
  • Work collaboratively with AHFC staff, Nine Star staff, and partner agencies to support participant success.
  • Respond professionally to participant concerns and follow established procedures during difficult situations.

Reporting & Administrative Support

  • Prepare and submit weekly service summaries.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual program reports.
  • Maintain accurate participant and program records.
  • Document job development activities and participant outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of computer hardware, software, and networking.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and FileMaker Pro.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Professional attitude with strong initiative and dependability.
  • Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, and community partners.
  • Willingness to learn new technology and assume additional responsibilities.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology, Business, or a related field preferred.
  • Relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in computer technology, workforce development, education, or a related field.

This position offers you an opportunity to help move the under- and unemployed job seeker to economic stability. If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, please, send your cover letter and resume to hr@ninestar.org.

CfWE - Test Proctor / Lab Coach

JOB SUMMARY

The Part-Time Test Proctor / Lab Coach is responsible for administering a variety of academic and workforce assessments, including GED® examinations and ACT WorkKeys® assessments. This position ensures compliance with all testing policies and procedures while providing a safe, secure, and distraction-free testing environment. In addition, the Test Proctor / Lab Coach supports the daily operations of multiple learning labs and assists participants with technology, digital learning, and workforce training activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Lab & Program Operations

  • Manage the daily operations of the Kodiak Testing Lab, Girdwood Technology Lab, and provide coverage support for AHFC’s Computer Lab as needed.
  • Ensure labs are safe, clean, organized, and compliant with usage rules and testing standards.
  • Monitor lab access, maintain participant sign-in/sign-out records, and submit monthly lab usage reports to the supervisor.
  • Oversee basic technical operations in coordination with Nine Star leadership and IT staff.
  • Perform light housekeeping duties, including sanitizing equipment and shredding confidential materials.

 Testing & Assessment Administration

  • Verify test-taker identity and clearly communicate testing rules and procedures.
  • Administer GED® and ACT WorkKeys® assessments in accordance with certifying agency guidelines.
  • Maintain a quiet, secure, and distraction-free testing environment while monitoring testing compliance.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues and perform required system updates (e.g., GED Ready Manager) on a daily basis.
  • Accurately record attendance, assessment scores, and case notes in CfWE tracking systems.
  • Forward completed assessment results to the Department of Labor, as required.

 Instruction & Participant Support

  • Assist learners with in-person and virtual lab access, including JumpStart classes and Zoom support.
  • Assist with the delivery of Technology Skills classes and provide instructional support to learners as needed

 Reporting & Administrative Support

  • Prepare and submit weekly service activity reports
  • Assist with data entry and other administrative tasks as assigned.
  • Perform additional duties as needed to support program success.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Professional, approachable, and friendly with staff, participants, and visitors.
  • Strong communication skills with a willingness to ask questions and seek support when needed.
  • Dependable, punctual, self-directed, and able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Willingness and ability to obtain required testing certifications (GED®, ACT WorkKeys®, etc.) prior to assuming testing responsibilities.
  • Ability to understand and encourage participants facing barriers to education and employment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently through strong organizational skills, time management, and effective prioritization.
  • Ability to make sound decisions independently and collaboratively on routine and complex assignments.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of administrative or related work experience.
  • Proficiency with technology and computer systems to support testing operations.
  • Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check upon hire.
  • Experience in education, workforce development, or a related field is preferred.

This position offers you an opportunity to help move the under- and unemployed job seeker to economic stability. If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, please, send your cover letter and resume to hr@ninestar.org.

Nine Star Education & Employment Services is an equal opportunity employer.