YouthBuild Job Developer / Placement Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: The Job Developer plays a critical role in connecting YouthBuild participants (ages 16-24) with career-building opportunities and providing employment readiness training from program entry through completion. This position focuses on three key areas:

• Employer & Career Pathway Development – Establish and maintain partnerships in both the private and public sectors to create internships, job placements, and career pathways for YouthBuild participants. This includes developing long-term employment opportunities in high-demand industries, particularly at the entry-level, pre-apprenticeship, and registered apprenticeship levels, ensuring that placements meet both employer needs and participant career goals.
• Participant Career Readiness & Support – Provide participants with career exploration, job readiness services, and job placement opportunities. Design, implement, and oversee employment and pre-apprenticeship career curricula, incorporating hands-on training and real-world work experiences. The Job Developer will directly instruct participants in career training. Offer continued support throughout participants’ engagement in the program to ensure long-term success. Track job placements, assist with employment retention strategies, and provide career coaching to support sustained workforce development.
• Program Compliance & Reporting – Maintain accurate documentation, track employment outcomes, and ensure timely reporting to meet program and funding requirements. Conduct labor market research to align job placement efforts with industry trends, collaborate with educational institutions to strengthen workforce alignment, and facilitate job fairs and recruitment events to expand employment opportunities. Develop promotional materials to advertise job placement services to participants and employers.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring that YouthBuild participants gain meaningful employment opportunities, develop career-ready skills, and sustain long-term workforce success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employer and Career Pathway Development:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, unions, and workforce development agencies to create job opportunities that align with YouthBuild participants' career goals.
• Collaborate with the Program Director to market YouthBuild to potential employers, including making presentations and establishing high-demand employment pipelines.
• Attend networking events, workforce development meetings, and professional groups to expand employer relationships.
• Secure Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with employer partners to formalize job placement commitments.
• Build relationships with post-secondary institutions, apprenticeship programs, and certification providers to facilitate career advancement pathways.
• Identify and connect participants with professional mentors, job shadowing opportunities, and industry exposure activities.
• Regularly assess labor market trends and employer needs to align program offerings with in-demand careers.
• Work with employers to support participant job retention through conflict resolution and mediation.
• Organize and facilitate job fairs, employer panels, and recruitment events to connect participants with potential employers.
• Develop marketing materials to promote job placement services to participants and employers.

Participant Career Readiness & Support:

• Develop or select career readiness curricula focused on pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship pathways.
• Conduct job readiness training, including resume development, job search strategies, interviewing skills, and professional workplace behavior.
• Assist participants with job applications, mock interviews, and employer engagement.
• Ensure all graduates secure a post-secondary outcome—such as employment, college enrollment, or military service—within the first quarter after program exit.
• Monitor and track job retention for 12 months post-exit, collecting necessary documentation.
• Guide participants through the FAFSA application process and post-secondary enrollment steps.
• Organize and oversee work experience placements, ensuring proper participant-employer matches.
• Develop career-related events, including alternative college fairs, career panels, and workforce workshops.
• Provide individualized job coaching, support, and problem-solving assistance in collaboration with case management staff.
• Coordinate alumni support activities to foster continued engagement and career success.

Program Compliance & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate case notes, services, and employment tracking records in data management systems.
• Ensure timely data entry and reporting in compliance with funding and program requirements.
• Submit monthly reports on participant progress, employer engagement, and placement outcomes.
• Conduct labor market research to identify emerging employment opportunities and align program offerings accordingly.
• Work closely with educational institutions to align training programs with employer needs and ensure relevant skill development.
• Organize and facilitate recruitment events to expand employment and educational opportunities.
• Participate in program recruitment efforts and represent YouthBuild in community and workforce development meetings.
• Develop marketing and outreach materials to enhance program visibility.
• Travel as needed for employer outreach, participant support and outreach, and job development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Workforce Development, Business Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in career services, workforce development, or job placement programs.
• Strong knowledge of local industry sectors and key employers.
• Must be flexible, energetic, and positive, with a strong commitment to supporting the education and development of multiracial and multicultural youth.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple requests, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent follow-through, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong relationship management skills to build trust and rapport with participants, families, and community partners.
• Ability to conduct labor market research and utilize data for strategic planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management systems, and customer relationship management tools.
• Experience in marketing, outreach, and developing promotional materials is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed.
• Must pass a post-offer criminal background check (FBI, Louisiana State, and/or Sex Offender Registry).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience developing career readiness curricula and training materials.
• Familiarity with pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship models.
• Established relationships with local workforce development agencies and employers.
• Background in case management or employment coaching.
• Experience in event planning, networking, and employer engagement.

This position requires a dedicated individual passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. If you are committed to fostering growth and empowerment among youth in our community, we encourage you to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you a veteran?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Career counseling: 2 years (Preferred)
• youth services: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $44,000