Workforce Development Specialist - Job Developer

Commonpoint; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonpoint is seeking a Workforce Development Specialist in New York to foster partnerships and provide direct support to clients seeking employment. This role involves conducting coaching sessions, advocating for clients, and collaborating with local employers. The ideal candidate will have a relevant Associates Degree and experience in workforce development, with a strong focus on supporting diverse populations. The salary for this position ranges from $55,000 to $65,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in workforce development.
• 1-2 years of job placement experience.
• Experience working with low-income, limited-English, and immigrant populations.

Responsibilities

• Develop partnerships with employers in key sectors.
• Support job placements and conduct career coaching.
• Lead professional development workshops for clients.
• Advocate for clients and source tailored job leads.
• Ensure accurate reporting in Salesforce.

Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Associates Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Education or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Word

Excel

Google Workspace

Canva

Job description

Job Title: Workforce Development Specialist | Job Developer, Full Time

Dept: Adult Workforce Development

Location: The Jack and Shirley Silver Hub, Commonpoint

Overview

The Adult Workforce Department at the Jack and Shirley Silver Hub offers comprehensive employment and support services designed to help individuals achieve long‑term career success. Through access to career counseling, job placement, training, education, and resources, we empower clients to enter the workforce and advance their careers.

Transportation will be provided, including a MetroCard, as the role requires travel between Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain partnerships demonstrating excellent rapport with employers in key sectors, including Information Technology, Construction, Customer Service, Culinary Arts, Security Guard, Community Health Workers, and Allied Health sectors.
• Support Director of Employer Partnership to conduct virtual and in person meetings with external business leaders who are aligned with the mission.
• Secure paid and unpaid internships, apprenticeships, and direct job placements to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual placement goals.
• Collaborate with the supervisor to discuss employer partners, job trends, training referrals, and job matching progress.
• Submit appropriate candidates to employers to fulfill job openings.

Client Support and Advocacy

• Work closely with Employment Coordinators and Career Coaches to coach clients on career pathways, addressing resume development, application processes, mock interviews, and networking strategies.
• Advocate for clients by sourcing job leads tailored to their skills and interests and ensuring alignment with available job opportunities.
• Assist clients in building essential social skills and work habits that promote long‑term career success.
• Address barriers to employment by coordinating referrals to internal and external social services.
• Lead professional development workshops for clients when necessary to improve their own professional development and personal brand.
• Lead job opportunity sessions as well as sharing job opportunities and career fairs creatively utilizing Canva.
• Guide clients through all facets of job search, including resume revisions, online applications, mock interview sessions and networking.
• Work occasionally out of the Commonpoint Bronx site at least 20% out of the time and Queens site 80% to support job seekers/clients.

Collaboration and Reporting

• Work with the Intake Team to ensure job placements are accurately reported in Salesforce.
• Provide necessary follow ups with clients after their vocational trainings and employment.
• Add case notes to SF about client's status, engagements, and progress.
• Collect employment verification letters, pay stubs, etc and upload to client's files timely in Salesforce as they hit their 30, 60, 90, 185, 365 milestones.
• Maintain the job bank, updating job links and opportunities regularly.
• Collaborate with senior staff to design and deliver training sessions and workshops on labor market trends and program outcomes.
• Generate program reports and contribute to funding proposals as needed.
• Share and track new updates of employer partners, report clients who have interviewed and have been placed.

Community Engagement and Events

• Ability to travel to different boroughs: Attend external job fairs to establish new partnerships and represent Commonpoint by tabling the organization's resources.
• Attend events on the weekends occasionally.
• Actively participate in internal staff meetings, mock events, internal job fairs, and staff professional development training sessions to enhance program effectiveness.
• Travel outdoors to connect and establish relationships with business leaders at least once a week.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrate strong proficiency in digital tools, including Zoom, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace applications (Gmail, Google Voice, Calendar, etc.).
• Salesforce a knowledge preferred but not required.
• Expertise in resume creation, editing, and formatting.
• Knowledge of Canva or other graphic design platforms - preferred.

Required

• Associates Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Education or related field.
• At least 2 years of Workforce development and at least 1-2 years of job placement experience.
• Proven experience working with low‑income, limited‑English, and immigrant populations.
• Spanish, Yiddish, or Russian is a plus but not necessary.

Key Attributes for Success

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for fostering client and employer relationships.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrate professionalism at all times.
• Believe and practice equity and inclusion.
• Follow through on assignments and meet deadline.
• Strong organizational and time‑management abilities to balance diverse responsibilities effectively.
• Innovative problem‑solving skills to address employment barriers and create opportunities.
• Commitment to collaboration, team‑building, and achieving shared goals.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to engage and inspire audiences.
• Salary - 55K - 65K.

Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer.