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Join Our Team!

Currently accepting applications for a dynamic individual to lead our career and workforce development initiative.  

Deadline to apply is September 13th.

Highland County ACCESS/Workforce Development Director (full-time position)

Location: Hopewell Center/Highland County | Southern Ohio Educational Service Center

General Description: Under administrative direction, the ACCESS (Alignment of Community Connections for Employers and Student Success)/Workforce Development Director will work with the Highland County Workforce Leadership Council, the Southern Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council, and partnering school districts, businesses, and community partners to:

  1. Develop the talent pipeline;

  2. Engage with the current workforce, local employers, and education providers;

  3. Coordinate the efforts of the Highland County Workforce Leadership Council and Highland County Business Advisory Council;

  4. Marshal community resources;

  5. Provide a wide view of the current workforce development landscape for community agencies, organizations, businesses, and schools;

  6. See beyond the existing network to think about who else should be involved, and how;

  7. Increase the Workforce Leadership Council’s capacity for the number of students reached and the impact on businesses and the local workforce; and,

  8. Expand funding opportunities through grant applications and other sources to allow the program to continue to grow.

 

For the strength, sustainability, and credibility of the program, it is vital that this position be accountable to stakeholders in both the education and business communities.  Reference the job description linked below for additional information.

 

Job Description: ACCESS/Workforce Development Director (Highland County)

Salary Range: $50,000 to $58,000 (full-time, 12-month contract)

Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in education or a business-related field.

  2. Possess, be able to acquire, and maintain the required valid Ohio State Board of Education license or permit.

  3. Three to five years of workforce development and project management experience preferred.

  4. K-16 education and business experience preferred.

  5. Possess proven success in working with educators, businesses, local government officials, service providers, and community development organizations.

  6. Must pass a criminal background check.

  7. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

 

Application Deadline: September 13, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: September 2024

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and a copy of any credentials to:


Casey Enochs, Assistant Superintendent

Southern Ohio Educational Service Center

3321 Airborne Road, Wilmington, Ohio 45177

Email: cenochs@soesc.org

Phone: 937-382-6921, ext. 1039

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Southern Ohio Educational Service Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression of any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Highland County Workforce Development Center host to
Adient's Plant Manager Summit

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The Highland County Workforce Development Center is proud to announce the successful collaboration with Adient, a prominent industrial sector organization. This partnership has demonstrated the powerful impact of county-based support in driving industry innovation and regional economic growth as the center was host to the annual Adient Plant Manager Summit.

 

The center was built to address key industrial sector challenges and position local industries for sustained success in a rapidly evolving market. Skills training, educational courses, and business meeting space are available to all county residents and industries. The Adient Plant Managers Summit is the perfect example of county leadership providing amenities industries require to grow.


“This collaboration underscores the pivotal role of our Workforce Development Center in fostering a dynamic and resilient local economy,” said Julie Bolender, Director of the Highland County Economic Development Department. “We are dedicated to supporting our industrial sector partners and are thrilled to see the positive outcomes of this partnership.”


The Highland County Workforce Development Center remains committed to supporting residents, industries, and organizations in achieving their full potential. For more information about the services available through the Workforce Development Center and how your organization can benefit, please visit www.develophighlandcountyohio.com or contact jbolender@co.highland.oh.us

Commissioners recognize ACCESS program

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Pictured left to right: Commissioner David Daniels, Commissioner Brad Roades, Janyia Hudson, Julie Bolender, Halle Jones, Julie Wallingford, and Commissioner Terry Britton.

During their July 3, 2024, meeting, the Highland County Board of Commissioners recognized two ACCESS interns who have displayed exemplary work performance while participating in the program.

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Janyia Hudson-Childers completed a 45-hour internship with the economic development department, where she built a department website. Her site supervisor, Julie Bolender, states, "The ACCESS program strives to provide students an opportunity to learn not only a skill but how to be a valuable asset for their employer. I do not doubt that with her work ethic and desire to learn, Janyia will be highly successful in her future career." Janyia will attend Laurel Oaks Career Campus in the fall to study Information Technology. 

 

Halle Jones is currently working for the county's records center and archive department. She has been a valuable asset to her supervisor, Julie Wallingford, as the county embarks on an all-county records archive project. Ms. Wallingford states, "Halle has been a great addition to our team, and with her work ethic, I know she will always be successful." Halle will return to Hillsboro High School this fall, where she will begin her senior year. 


The ACCESS program is designed to offer valuable opportunities for local businesses to host student interns, providing a bridge between education and the workforce. ACCESS interns collaborate closely with their home school districts, actively cultivating essential skills sought after in employees. After comprehensive assessments, these students undergo tailored education and coaching to address weaknesses and fortify their strengths, ensuring their readiness to enter the workforce during internship opportunities and upon graduation. For information about ACCESS, please visit www.accesshighland.org.

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