Professional Development Counselor

Professional Development CounselorWisconsin National Guard (WING) – Service Member Support Division

Madison, WI | Full-Time Contract | On-Site

Join a High-Impact Federal Team

The Employment Specialist provides comprehensive employment and career readiness support to Service Members and their families within the Wisconsin National Guard (WING). This role supports the Service Member Support Division (SMSD), which operates under the J9 Directorate and delivers programs focused on readiness, resiliency, and overall well-being.

This position is designed to restore critical employment assistance services previously provided through the Wisconsin Employment Resource Connection (WERC), including resume development, job search support, and career transition services.

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive annual compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• PTO and paid holidays
• Short- and long-term disability coverage

Career Growth

• Exposure to federal and mission-critical facilities
• Opportunity to support government contracts
• Collaborative, operations-focused environment
• Long-term contract stability

Key Responsibilities

• Provide employment readiness support to Service Members and their families, including resume writing (civilian and federal), interview preparation, and job search strategies
• Deliver career counseling and assist with military-to-civilian skills translation
• Conduct outreach and engagement with employers to identify job opportunities and advocate for Service Members
• Support administration of Soldier and Family Readiness Program services
• Assist Service Members and families throughout all stages of the deployment cycle with career and employment-related needs
• Provide financial literacy education and career readiness resources in coordination with SMSD programs
• Offer crisis support information and referrals related to employment or financial hardship
• Coordinate with internal programs such as SFRS, CYP, YRRP, PFC, and SOS to ensure integrated service delivery
• Maintain accurate records, track service delivery, and report program outcomes as required
• Support workshops, briefings, and training sessions focused on employment readiness and workforce development
• Ensure all services are delivered in accordance with program requirements, policies, and quality standards set forth in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant experience in workforce development, career counseling, or employment services
• Knowledge of resume development and building (including federal formats)
• Ability to advise on interview techniques and job placement strategies
• Must demonstrate effective communication skills

Security Clearance Requirement

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance (Secret / Top Secret / Public Trust)
• Employment is contingent upon successful background investigation and PIV card issuance

Why This Opportunity

This is a meaningful opportunity to directly impact the lives of Service Members and their families by helping them successfully transition to civilian careers and achieve long-term stability. In this role, you will work within a mission-driven environment, collaborate across multiple support programs, and play a key role in strengthening workforce readiness for those who serve.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about supporting Service Members and helping individuals achieve employment success, we encourage you to apply