Program Manager, Employment and Job Readiness

Job Description

The Program Manager – Employment & Self-Sustainability will oversee a comprehensive suite of employment services, job placement initiatives, and supportive programming designed to enhance workforce readiness and promote long-term financial independence. This role ensures that participants receive access to career coaching, job training, employer connections, and essential wraparound services, including recovery assistance, housing support, and financial empowerment. The manager will lead a team of employment specialists and support staff, fostering strategic employer partnerships and integrating evidence-based workforce development methodologies, including Supported Employment (SE), Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). The ideal candidate will be a workforce development expert experienced in job placement and career advancement for individuals facing employment barriers.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Leadership

· Design and implement employment programs that align with labor market trends and workforce development best practices.

· Supervise and guide a team of employment specialists, career coaches, and workforce development staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.

· Develop and track performance metrics such as job placements, retention rates, and wage growth.

· Ensure programs are modeled after evidence-based frameworks, including Supported Employment (SE) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS), with a focus on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC).

· Incorporate recovery-friendly employment practices and second-chance employment opportunities into program services.

· Collaborate with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs, peer recovery coaches, and mental health providers to support participants in the workforce.

· Oversee budgeting, grant compliance, and reporting for funders and stakeholders.

· Continuously assess and refine program strategies to ensure effective service delivery and participant outcomes.

Employment & Workforce Development

· Implement career readiness assessments, job placement services, and individualized employment plans.

· Develop and manage industry-specific job training programs, apprenticeships, and credentialing opportunities.

· Oversee soft skills training, digital literacy workshops, and interview preparation to enhance employability.

· Build and maintain job pipelines with businesses, staffing agencies, and trade organizations.

· Facilitate career fairs, employer networking events, and recruitment sessions to connect participants with hiring opportunities.

· Provide ongoing job coaching and post-placement support to ensure job retention and career advancement.

· Partner with local businesses and training providers to expand employment options.

Self-Sustainability & Financial Empowerment

· Provide coaching on financial literacy, career advancement, budgeting, and wage growth strategies.

· Collaborate with community partners to provide participants with additional support, such as childcare, transportation, and legal aid.

· Develop partnerships with housing organizations to ensure stable housing options for participants.

· Integrate recovery-friendly employment practices, including support for individuals with substance use challenges.

· Work closely with case managers to address mental health challenges, justice system involvement, and other barriers to employment.

Partnerships & Employer Engagement

· Establish and cultivate relationships with local businesses, workforce development boards, and hiring managers to expand employment opportunities.

· Collaborate with human resource teams to develop customized job placement strategies for individuals with employment barriers.

· Advocate for fair hiring practices and second-chance employment opportunities.

· Identify emerging job markets and integrate relevant training programs.

Data Management & Continuous Improvement

· Analyze program outcomes to identify trends and enhance service delivery.

· Ensure compliance with funder requirements and performance benchmarks.

· Maintain accurate documentation in case management and workforce tracking systems.

· Conduct program assessments, surveys, and employer feedback to improve job placement and retention strategies.

· Stay informed on workforce development policies, employment laws, and labor market shifts to adapt strategies accordingly.

Qualifications & Experience

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Workforce Development, Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field.

· 3 years of experience in employment services, workforce development, or social services leadership.

· Strong understanding of employment barriers, job placement strategies, and employer engagement.

· Experience implementing Supported Employment (SE), Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) in workforce development settings.

· Proven ability to build partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations.

· Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, workforce tracking software, and case management systems.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $52,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Job coaching: 2 years (Required)
• Case management: 3 years (Required)
• Management: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Atlanta, GA 30303 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Atlanta, GA 30303: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000