Job Development and Placement Specialist

II. Job Summary

The primary objective of the Job Development and Placement Specialist is to increase the job placement rate for EMERGE program participants. The Job Development and Placement Specialist will facilitate job development efforts with local businesses and community partners on behalf of unemployed or underemployed participants. The Job Development and Placement Specialist role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with employers, identifying job leads, and matching participant skills to open positions. The Job Development and Placement Specialist plays a critical role in connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities, ensuring successful transitions into the workforce, and fostering long-term employer partnerships. In addition to business development, the Job Development and Placement Specialist is responsible for coaching participants, developing on the job and other training and job placement initiatives, and ensuring that staff across the agency have access to employment opportunities for their participants.

III. Core Job Functions

The Job Development and Placement Specialist performs a wide range of duties including but not limited to the following:

• Employer Engagement & Relationship Building
• Collaborate with external partner, Rivernorth, to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with potential employers across various industries.
• Educate employers about the benefits of hiring EMERGE participants from diverse candidate pools.
• Job Placement Support
• Identify job opportunities that align with participant skills and career paths.
• Facilitate communication between employers and job seekers, coordinating interviews and supporting placement success.
• Collaborate with EMERGE Workforce Coaches, Employment Counselors and other staff to develop comprehensive employment plans and schedule interviews for participants
• Conduct regular follow-ups with employers and placed candidates to ensure job satisfaction and retention.
• On the Job Training
• Recruit partner employers and establish On-the-Job Training (OJT) agreements, including policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement systems to track and monitor the OJT experience.
• Event Coordination & Community Outreach
• Develop, promote and execute an annual calendar of job fairs, employer of the day and other recruitment events, and networking opportunities.
• Partner with EMERGE Program Directors and Managers and collaborate with community organizations to promote employment opportunities and events.
• Participant Support
• Provide participants with job market information and guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and employment trends.
• Assist in career planning by working closely with career counselors and workforce coaches.
• Data Management & Reporting
• Develop & Maintain an employer database with up-to-date job listings and contact information for EMERGE career counselors.
• Track job leads, candidate progress, and placement outcomes through a database system.
  
  

Performs any other tasks and duties necessary in order for the agency to meet its mission

• Essential Job Function
  
  

IV. Position Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• At least one year experience as a Job Developer working directly with businesses to promote the hire of persons with barriers to employment or other similar work experience.
• One year experience managing a participant caseload and providing direct service to participants.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; high level proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Proficiency in using employment databases and tracking systems for data reporting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for building and maintaining relationships with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a mission-driven organization with clients and staff from diverse backgrounds, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.
• Expertise in networking to establish and sustain employer and community connections.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent record-keeping skills, including the ability to manage data and reports for multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of workforce trends, employment practices, and local labor markets, especially in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Skilled in developing and delivering workshops, orientations, and training sessions to participants.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the metro area for employer visits and recruitment events
  
  

V. Working Conditions And Environment

ECTC: Incumbent will have a private office/designated workspace in a typical office environment. The building is multiple floors and fully accessible and is smoke-free. Work will include regular local travel. Working hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 am-5:00 pm, but will include occasional evening and weekend hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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