Job Development Specialist

Reporting directly to a Director in Workforce and Economic Development, the Job Development Specialist (JDS) is responsible for developing job and career opportunities, and job leads for students and participants enrolled in various programs at the college.

About the role

The JDS will facilitate job club and career exploration activities to prepare participants for acquiring and retaining employment. The role provides technical and professional services to potential employers and participants, ensuring programmatic outcomes are met. The JDS works closely with staff to develop and monitor Individual Service Strategies (ISS), Educational Development Plans, and career plans.

This position assists students and participants with employment preparation and placement while informing employers about available employment services. The college supports employers by verifying skill gaps, addressing training needs, and supplying qualified candidates, job postings, applicant pre-screening, drug testing, background checks, interview space, and value-added workshops.

The JDS identifies new employment leads through job fairs, cold calls, networking, e-recruiting, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, internships, externships, and other work experiences to help students maintain long-term employment. Follow-up activities are critical to intervene when supportive services or job-related assistance is needed to ensure stability and retention.

Responsibilities

• Develop job and career opportunities for students and program participants.
• Facilitate job club and career exploration activities.
• Provide technical and professional services to employers and participants.
• Develop and monitor Individual Service Strategies (ISS), Educational Development Plans, and career plans.
• Assist with employment preparation, placement, and retention for students and participants.
• Inform employers about employment services, including job postings, pre-screening, drug testing, and background checks.
• Identify new employment leads through job fairs, cold calls, networking, and e-recruiting.
• Coordinate apprenticeships, on-the-job training, internships, externships, and other work experiences.
• Conduct follow-up activities to ensure job stability and retention.
• Address skill gaps and training needs within the business community.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in business/industry, human services, education, or a related field.
• One (1) year of professional experience in education, human services, or business.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience using Google Suites, MS Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with a diverse population, staff, and community members using tact, courtesy, and diplomacy.

Qualifications

• Possession of CDF, GCDF, CWDP, TPM, and/or BSP certification (desirable).
• Previous experience working with grant or performance-based programs with a record of successfully meeting outcomes and metrics (desirable).
• Prior experience working with adult learners (desirable).
• Job development and/or job placement experience (preferred).
• Prior experience working in or with staffing, HR, or the placement industry (desirable).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to move about inside the office and other locations for interviews and meetings.
• Frequent operation of a computer for extended periods.
• Frequent communication with others over the phone and in person.
• Ability to speak clearly and communicate proficiently in English.

Schedule

Must be willing to work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, with evenings or weekends as needed. Remote work opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis, dependent on job duties and suitability.

This position is grant-funded and may be terminated if performance measures are not adequately met. Employment is at-will and may be ended by either party at any time.