JOB DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST - YAWP

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reports directly to Program Coordinator.
• Employer Engagement and Worksite Development
  • Identify, cultivate, and maintain partnerships with employers to create high-quality internship, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities.
  • Develop sector-aligned work experiences that reflect labor market trends and employer needs.
  • Maintain a database of employer contacts and job opportunities.
  • Conduct regular worksite visits to ensure compliance with program standards and provide ongoing support to employers and participants.
• Participant Support and Job Matching
  • Work with Workforce Support Specialists to match participants to appropriate internship and employment opportunities based on their skills, training, and career interests.
  • Provider job placement services including resume development, interview preparation, and job search assistance.
  • Track participant employment outcomes and provide retention support as needed.
• Collaborate with Training Instructors and Community-Based Organization Liaison to align job readiness training and credentialing classes with employer requirements.
• Support program recruitment and orientation efforts as needed.
• Participation in mandatory meetings and training at Department of Corrections facilities as needed including Riker’s Island.
• Maintain accurate records of employer engagement, participant placements, and worksite evaluations.
• Produce reports on job placement outcomes and internship metrics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure the integrity of the program, communicating with the New York City Department of Education and the Department of Corrections on jail and community-based program progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree in Business, Workforce Development, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and challenges facing formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Ability to obtain Department of Corrections clearance and work within the constraints of facility guidelines. Including lock downs and personal screenings, this can be changed at the discretion of the Department of Correction.
• 2 Years of experience in job development, workforce development or employer engagement.
• Strong knowledge of local labor market trends and employer needs in key industries (e.g., healthcare, construction, technology, hospitality, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills Bi-Lingual a plus.
• Position may require travel throughout the city/region to meet with CBOs and attend events.
• Flexibility and dependability.
• Preferred: Existing employer network or relationships within key sectors.

SKILLS

• Good organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and under pressure.
• High levels of drive, determination, and commitment.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and a capacity to work with a wide range of people.
• Ability to act under own initiative and constantly strive to deliver excellence and creativity in your work.
• Analytical skills - proven ability to deal with complex issues and communicate them to management and staff members.
• Ability to prioritize urgent issues whilst achieving outcomes to agreed deadlines.