Employment Specialist

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining employer relationships, coordinating hiring events, and connecting participants to unsubsidized employment opportunities aligned with their career pathways. This role supports the employment journey by preparing participants for interviews, tracking job leads, and collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure successful placements. The Employment Specialist is accountable for meeting job development benchmarks, maintaining accurate documentation, and contributing to overall program performance.

Your Responsibilities Include:

Employer Engagement & Job Development
•    Conduct ≥ 20 cold calls weekly to identify active hiring employers. 
•    Host ≥ 2 onsite employment events monthly in collaboration with Workforce1 and community partners. 
•    Conduct bi-weekly field visits to employers to maintain relationships and promote program methodology. 
•    Recruit ≥ 5 new employers or guest speakers quarterly for hiring events or workshops

Member Job Matching & Preparation
•    Provide interview referrals to ≥ 90% of employment-ready participants weekly.
•    Conduct interviews with participants in-custody for career readiness
•    Meet with 100% of referred participants to assess skills and match to sector-specific opportunities.
•    Prepare ≥ 90% of participants for transitional employment through coaching and resume support. 
•    Facilitating referrals and connections to other internal personnel or community-based providers as needed.
•    Ensure ≥ 85% of employer feedback is documented and used to inform member development.
Collaboration & Event Planning
•    Coordinate ≥ 2 quarterly onsite events with Workforce1 and other partners. 
•    Conduct Makin' it Work workshops both pre-release and post-release
•    Attend ≥ 1 DOL-led professional development session per quarter. 
•    Design and implement recruitment strategies, including “Meet the Manager” days and virtual info sessions.

Performance Management & Reporting

•    Complete weekly reports on cold calls, field visits, and employer engagement. 
•    Announce job leads weekly in workshops and follow up with facilitators on member referrals. 
•    Enter 100% of member case notes and employment data into FedcapCARES and Salesforce systems within 24 hours. 
•    Support retention efforts by verifying employment data for ≥ 95% of placed participants.
 

You're a Great Fit for This Role If: 

•    You have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent credential required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferred. 
•    You bring an equivalent combination of 1 year of Bachelor’s Level education, related training, and/or 2 years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position instead of a degree.
•    Minimum 1 year in job development, employer relations, or workforce development; or 2 years working with individuals facing employment barriers.
•   You can pass security screening with DOC for jail access
 

Compensation: 

$28.85 starting salary

Equal Opportunity Employer