What are the responsibilities and job description for the Job Developer/Career Coach position at WEST OAKLAND JOB RESOURCE CENTER?
Company Description The West Oakland Job Resource Center (WOJRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding financial and economic opportunities for underserved residents of West Oakland and the greater Bay Area. Established in 2012 as part of the City of Oakland’s Local Hire Ordinance, WOJRC serves as a “First Source” partner to help employers meet local and economically disadvantaged hiring goals. The organization focuses on low- and moderate-income job seekers, offering employment training and staffing support, particularly in construction and transportation, distribution, and logistics (TDL). WOJRC pairs its employment services with financial coaching to promote long-term financial stability and career advancement. The center operates with guiding principles that emphasize dignity, respect, responsiveness, data-driven practices, accountability, transparency, and cost-effective service to the community.
Role Description The Job Developer/Career Coach is a full-time, on-site position based in Oakland, CA. This role is responsible for providing individualized career coaching, including assessing job seekers’ skills, interests, and barriers; developing career and training plans; and supporting participants in setting and achieving employment and financial goals. The Job Developer/Career Coach will build and maintain relationships with local employers, identify job openings, advocate for candidates, and coordinate interviews, placements, and retention follow-up. Daily tasks include facilitating job readiness workshops, assisting with résumés and interview preparation, tracking participant progress and outcomes, and entering accurate data into case management systems. The role also collaborates with internal staff and community partners, connects participants to support services and training programs, and contributes to a welcoming, inclusive environment for all job seekers.
Qualifications
- Experience in career coaching, case management, or workforce development, including assessing client needs, developing individualized plans, and providing ongoing support.
- Proven ability to conduct employer outreach, build partnerships with businesses, and match candidates to job opportunities that meet employer and participant needs.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead workshops, provide one-on-one coaching, and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Competence with data entry, case management or CRM systems, and basic office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, email) to track services and outcomes accurately.
- Knowledge of local labor markets, especially construction and TDL sectors, and familiarity with workforce programs, community resources, and supportive services.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches when working with low- and moderate-income job seekers.
- Ability to work on-site in Oakland, manage multiple priorities, and respond flexibly to changing community and employer needs.
- Experience working with diverse communities.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s strongly recommended.