Nicole Hawkins
Buffalo
Summary
Experienced Employment Specialist with a proven track record at Central Kentucky Community Action Council. Strong in client advocacy, case management, computer skills, and workforce development. Skilled in creating personalized employment plans, enhancing job readiness and confidence, and working one on one with clients to meet individual needs. Detail oriented and efficient with exceptional attention to care for clients.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment Specialist
Central Kentucky Community Action Council-KY Works
Elizabethtown, KY
04.2018 - Current
- Work directly with the Department of Community Based Serves daily to receive client referrals, provide case management, and coordinate client placement and case plans
- Developed personalized employment plans for clients to enhance job readiness.
- Facilitated workshops on resume writing and interview techniques to improve client outcomes.
- Collaborated with local employers to identify job opportunities aligned with client skills.
- Provided ongoing support and coaching to clients during job search processes.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate client strengths, weaknesses, and employment barriers.
- Trained new staff on best practices for client engagement and program protocols.
- Assisted clients with completing job applications and submitting resumes to improve interview chances.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance for clients during their job search, leading to increased confidence and motivation.
- Established strong relationships with local employers to match clients with suitable job opportunities.
- Assisted clients in college enrollment, provided meetings for the Ready to Work Program through Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, and provided assistance with RTW paperwork
- Tracked client progress through detailed case notes and regular follow-ups, ensuring efficient service delivery.
City Carrier Assistant
United States Postal Service, USPS
Hodgenville, KY
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Delivered mail and packages efficiently to residential and commercial addresses.
- Managed route logistics to optimize delivery schedules and minimize delays.
- Operated handheld scanning devices to track package deliveries accurately.
- Used time management skills to deliver mail efficiently on a tight schedule
- Ensured compliance with postal regulations and customer service standards consistently.
Childcare Provider
Laugh N Learn Childcare Center
Hodgenville, KY
11.2003 - 09.2017
- Developed and implemented engaging educational activities for diverse age groups.
- Fostered a safe and nurturing environment to support children's emotional development.
- Monitored child progress, providing feedback to parents on developmental milestones.
- Collaborated with team members to provide education and basic needs for children.
- Provide training for new employees.
- Open and close the facility when the director and assistance director were absent.
- Adhered to state guidelines for care and lesson plan development.
Education
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing Assistant
Elizabethtown Community And Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY01-2016
High School Diploma -
LaRue County High School
Hodgenville06-2003
Skills
- Microsoft Office suite
- Client advocacy
- Employer outreach
- Community collaboration
- Training coordination
- Workforce development
- Employment barriers identification
- Job readiness evaluation
- Job retention support
- Career assessment
- Record keeping
- Case management
- Soft skills training
- Records documentation
Accomplishments
Freelance writer with an essay published online at 2 Rules of Writing titled, The Weight of Expectations and an audiobook series published on the Wahlbeck app titled, The Infected.
Timeline
Employment Specialist
Central Kentucky Community Action Council-KY Works
04.2018 - Current
City Carrier Assistant
United States Postal Service, USPS
09.2017 - 03.2018
Childcare Provider
Laugh N Learn Childcare Center
11.2003 - 09.2017
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing Assistant
Elizabethtown Community And Technical College
High School Diploma -
LaRue County High School