Employment Specialist

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

STRIVE is a national leader in workforce development solutions, empowering individuals to discover their best future selves through innovative, evidence-based career training and holistic, lifelong support. STRIVE partners with employers, funders and community organizations to close gaps in workforce needs and help local economies thrive. Founded in East Harlem, NY, in 1984, STRIVE has grown from its roots to now offer programs in locations across the country.

For more than 40 years, STRIVE has been a catalyst for economic change and prosperity in underserved communities. Our tuition-free skills and job readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching prepare students for careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, construction and logistics. With a proven pathway to possible, 80% of STRIVE students graduate, 76% attain employment and 70% retain employment long-term.

Looking to the future, STRIVE has embarked on an ambitious ten-year growth plan to increase its impact in more locations nationwide, aiming to serve up to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033.

We meet individuals where they are, providing free programs tailored to adults 18 , including those impacted by the justice system. At STRIVE, there is always a path forward.

See why STRIVE has been the pathway to possible for more than 40 years in our 3-minute mission video.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Employment Specialist will support STRIVE in all its programs. The Employment Specialist will possess the ability to create job opportunities in job markets consistent with the skills and abilities of assigned client caseload. This role will work as a mediator between employers and job seekers to understand the interests and requirements of the job seekers and help them obtain job opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to help people identify any barriers to employment, enhance their strengths, and improve their job skills. This role will work with clients who need guidance with career development or assistance with functioning in a workplace.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with trainers to schedule and provide the job development introduction, mock interviews, and post mock interview sessions. Prepare participants for interviews and make them aware of the employment services they will receive upon graduation.
• Obtain documentation and verbal insight from trainers as to graduates’ aptitudes, abilities, and desires.
• Business Development /Sales: Develop new business to secure employment opportunities for graduates.
• Research and develop a thorough understanding of the targeted industries.
• Review open positions with partnering employers to attempt job placement of clients. If no appropriate positions are available, make cold calls and/or work with other job developers to ensure a placement as soon as possible.
• Develop and maintain successful relationships with employers to seek new career/internship opportunities for participants and influence the retention and success of participants.
• Pre-screen participants for work-ready status in the areas of initial screenings, career assessments, educational testing and/or other appropriate assessments and place qualified participants for employment opportunities with employers.
• Conduct participant follow-up after normal business hours as needed to maintain open dialogue with placed clients.
• Acquire verification of employment documentation for placed participants
• Document and track all records, including job requirements, job descriptions, job orders, participants, company contacts and visits, services and placements, employer site checks, wage information, and miscellaneous activities in our data systems.
• Meet monthly career development placement goals and track related activity using web-based data system.
• Provide retention services for participants as needed.
• Provide coaching in effective job search techniques.
• Complete other tasks as assigned or needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree required – Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of two year's job development experience preferred.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient in entering data into cloud-based CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Apricot, or other comparable platforms
• High level of comfort interacting with and incorporating data reports into service delivery
• Commitment to leveraging data and supporting a data driven culture at STRIVE
• Ability to multitask and coordinate job interviews, job orders, employer meetings, and activities with ease.
• Outstanding communication, public-speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving ability.
• Respect to diversity.
• Ability to inspire and motivate.
• Sales and/or public relations experience a plus.

STRIVE offers a rich benefits package that includes:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits Program
• 401k with employer match
• 20 days of PTO (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Sick leave
• Up to $500 annual professional development reimbursement
• Paid holidays (including week of Christmas)
• Early closing each Friday during the Summers
• And numerous additional benefits!

Location: In-person Monday – Friday in our Atlanta office.

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.