This position requires travel between 3 Jamboree communities. These communities are located along Hwy. 39, (aka Beach Boulevard). 

Primary Objective of Position:

The primary objective of the Workforce Development Specialist is to facilitate and enhance the employment prospects and career development of residents within Jamboree communities. The Workforce Development Specialist will work closely with residents to provide personalized guidance, mentorship, and resources that empower them to secure gainful employment, advance their skills, and build sustainable career pathways. By collaborating with local employers, educational institutions, and community partners, the Workforce Development Specialist will identify opportunities that align with the unique strengths and aspirations of residents. 

This position seeks to enable residents to overcome challenges, develop essential life skills, and establish a strong foundation for future success. Through the implementation of targeted employment programs and initiatives, the Workforce Development Specialist will contribute to the holistic growth and self-sufficiency of residents, fostering a brighter outlook for their professional and personal endeavors.

Major Areas of Accountability:

• Provide one-on-one counseling and coaching to participants, understanding their career aspirations, strengths, and challenges.
• Develop personalized employment plans that align with participants' goals and skillsets.
• Offer assistance in resume building, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional networking.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate employment initiatives into broader support services.
• Develop workshops, training sessions, and educational resources to enhance participants' job readiness.
• Establish and nurture relationships with local employers, industries, and workforce development agencies.
• Identify job opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships suitable for participants.
• Connect participants with resources such as educational institutions, vocational training centers, and community services.
• Provide information on financial literacy, budgeting, and accessing social services.
• Assist participants in navigating barriers to employment, such as transportation and childcare.
• Maintain accurate records of participant progress, employment outcomes, and program activities.

• Generate regular reports for internal use, funders, and stakeholders to demonstrate program impact.
• Provide regular reports to the Program Manager and additional reports as assigned.
• Represent the organization at community events, workshops, and meetings related to employment services.
• Build partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to enhance resources for participants.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization.

Level of Education, Experience and Skill Set:

• Ability to build relationships and work in collaboration with teams.
• Resiliency and ability to problem solve.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred, or two (2) years of experience in a relevant field.
• Proven 2-4 years cumulative experience working in workforce development.
• Strong knowledge of the complexity of poverty and unhoused individuals, mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, health issues, and older adults required.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; proven ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Individuals living with co-occurring disorders and experiencing homelessness preferred.
• Experience with individuals with serious mental illness and substance addiction preferred.
• Oral and written fluency in Spanish and English preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license and availability of an insured vehicle. 
• Must be able to travel between sites 75%

Physical Demands: 

The Workforce Development Specialist is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, balance, twist, lean, move from one location to another and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close and far vision. Ability to operate a computer keyboard, and lift files and reports. Exposure to glare from a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. and travel via automobile 50%. 

Work Environment:

The work environment will usually be in a professional office setting, with possible shared workspace. The noise level is usually quiet to moderate. When traveling the environment will change dependent upon the site visiting.