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 the 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 students 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 and/or internship 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 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 students and influence the retention and success of students. Pre‑screen students for work‑ready status in the areas of initial screenings, career assessments, educational testing and other appropriate assessments and place qualified students for employment opportunities with employers. Conduct participant follow‑up after normal business hours as needed to maintain open dialogue with placed clients. Maintain an open line of communication with contacts at STRIVE placement sites, check on new placements, mediate problem situations when they arise, and secure feedback. Acquire verification of employment documentation for placed students. Document and track all records, including job requirements, job descriptions, job orders, students, company contacts and visits, services and placements, employer site checks, wage information, and miscellaneous activities in STRIVE cloud‑based CRM. Meet monthly career development placement goals and track related activities in STRIVE cloud‑based CRM. Maintain and document activity, effectively case noting in real time utilizing CRM. High level of comfort using and interpreting data reports to guide program service delivery. Provide replacement services for students as needed. Provide coaching on effective job search techniques. Establish relationships with employer HR Dept to secure employer feedback and utilize the information to partner with STRIVE Training team/Instructor to ensure training is effectively supporting students. Complete other tasks as assigned or needed. QUALIFICATIONS 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. LOCATION In person Monday‑Friday in STRIVE’s NOLA office and out in the field. Some weekends as needed. BENEFITS PACKAGE 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 summer 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr