Employment Services Specialist

Breathe Project; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh (CKP) is seeking an Employment Services Specialist to lead career development and job placement efforts for students and alumni in its culinary workforce program at 107 Flowers Ave, Pittsburgh.

You will build employer relationships, administer the Registered Apprenticeship program, provide coaching for up to 12 months post‑graduation, and track outcomes to support long‑term employment growth.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in workforce development, case management, or employment services.
• Driver's license/vehicle required.
• Strong computer skills including data entry and Google Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience in the culinary industry.

Responsibilities

• Deliver career development services and job readiness training.
• Conduct mock interviews and career counseling.
• Build employer relationships for job placements and apprenticeships.
• Administer the Registered Apprenticeship program.
• Maintain employment records and prepare reports.

Skills

Workforce development

Case management

Employment services

Data entry

Google Suite

Interpersonal skills

Culinary industry

Drivers license

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Employment Services Specialist

Location: Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, 107 Flowers Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207

Industry: Workforce Development – Culinary Training

Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

About Community Kitchen Pittsburgh (CKP):

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh is a nonprofit social enterprise focused on workforce development through culinary arts. We prepare adults facing employment barriers for work in the foodservice industry by combining hands-on kitchen training with supportive services and real-world experience.

Position Summary:

The Employment Services Manager plays a key role in ensuring successful student and alumni employment outcomes by delivering comprehensive career development services. This position supports CKP’s mission by preparing students for job placement, building strong relationships with employer partners, and administering our Registered Apprenticeship program.

Alumni Services is a critical role in supporting CKP graduates as they transition from training into long-term employment and career growth. This position maintains ongoing relationships with alumni, provides coaching and referral services, tracks employment outcomes, and coordinates programming that fosters a strong, engaged alumni community.This position ensures that alumni have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

Job Readiness & Career Development:

• Facilitate classes on job readiness, culinary career exploration, resume writing, and interview techniques.
• Conduct mock interviews and one-on-one career counseling with students and alumni.
• Guide students through the application, interview, and onboarding process.

Employment Services & Retention:

• Build and maintain employer relationships to support job placements and apprenticeships.
• Actively research and consolidate job openings from employer contacts and job boards.
• Create customized employment plans based on student goals and barriers to employment.
• Make retention calls to alumni and maintain detailed records of employment status and progress.

Registered Apprenticeship Program Administration:

• Administer and grow CKP’s Registered Apprenticeship program, including RAPIDS data entry.
• Recruit additional employer partners for program participation.

Alumni Engagement, Retention & Continuing Education:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for CKP alumni, providing individualized support for up to 12 months (or more) post-graduation, focusing on career counseling and driving towards promotions and wage increases, and identifying additional jobs with higher wages that aligns with their career goals.
• Conduct regular check-ins with alumni to monitor progress, job satisfaction, and any emerging needs.
• Connect alumni with community resources such as housing, transportation assistance, mental health support, and financial counseling, and coordinate with the Resource Navigators on referrals.
• Support job retention by helping alumni navigate workplace challenges and build professional skills.
• Collaborate with the Program and Kitchen Instructor Team to identify advancement opportunities and match alumni with appropriate roles.
• Maintain strong relationships with employer partners to ensure alumni success and gather feedback.
• Design and implement alumni-focused workshops, networking events, and professional development opportunities.
• Develop and work with marketing staff to implement alumni communications such as newsletters, outreach campaigns, and social media engagement.
• Help cultivate a sense of community among alumni through both in-person and virtual activities.

Administration:

• Maintain accurate employment records in CKP’s database, ensuring compliance with grant and reporting requirements.
• Track employment outcomes, retention milestones, and long-term career progress.
• Prepare reports for grants, internal program evaluation, and organizational leadership.
• Work closely with the programs team to ensure seamless transition from participant to alumni.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in workforce development, case management, or employment services
• Drivers License/vehicle
• Strong computer skills including data entry and familiarity with Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Sheets, Docs).
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and respect.
• Previous experience in the culinary industry