Workforce Development & Placement Specialist

Creative Mindset Consulting has been retained by The Training Source to source for the Workforce Development and Placement Specialist.

The Opportunity

The Training Source, Inc. is seeking a dynamic Workforce Development and Placement Specialist, The Workforce Development and Placement Specialist supports individuals across the full employment continuum—from assessment and career planning to job readiness training, job placement, and early retention. This role provides individualized coaching and group-based training while building and sustaining strong employer and community partnerships. The Specialist plays a critical role in advancing employment outcomes and long-term economic mobility for participants served by The Training Source..

Background:

The Training Source, Inc. is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides youth and adult workforce and job readiness training, employer training and consulting and community supportive services. Our mission is to provide education, training and services that promote positive economic mobility. The Training Source emerged from the national COVID-19 Pandemic that created high unemployment rates more determined to positively impact job seekers and employers as it promotes positive economic mobility. As the employment landscape rebounded, three factors pointed to the need for enhanced focus on workforce development in Prince George’s County, Maryland: 1) pockets of long term un- and underemployment within the region, particularly among youth and persons with criminal records; 2) local and regional employer complaints about not being able to find individuals with skill sets they require; and 3) the proliferation of low-skilled, temporary, low paying jobs, generally without benefits, that do not provide sufficient income to support a family. We feel that while many agencies offer workforce development services, there is little coordination among them and relatively weak links with employers. Much effort is spent on outplacement efforts for laid off workers; and a more pro-active approach that matches training to needed job skills is needed.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Assessment, Planning & Coaching

• • Conduct comprehensive assessments of participants’ skills, education, work history, interests, and employment barriers.
  • Develop and implement individualized employment and career plans with clear, measurable goals aligned to labor market opportunities.
  • Provide ongoing one-on-one career coaching and counseling to support participants through job search, placement, and early employment retention.

Job Readiness & Professional Development (LiftZone & Cohorts)

• • Design, prepare materials for, and facilitate engaging job readiness and professional development workshops, including communication, workplace professionalism, time management, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
  • Support participants in developing and refining resumes, cover letters, applications, and professional correspondence.
  • Coordinate and conduct mock interviews for individuals and cohorts; provide structured, actionable feedback to strengthen interview performance and confidence.
  • Monitor, follow up on, and track completion of all Learning Management System (LMS) online trainings, including Microsoft Office Suite and other assigned courses, and provide bi-weekly progress reports to the Deputy Director.

Job Placement & Employer Engagement

• • Research labor market trends and identify employment opportunities aligned with participant skills and career pathways.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, staffing agencies, and industry partners to generate job leads and placement opportunities.
  • Serve as a liaison between employers and job seekers, advocating for participants and supporting successful hiring, onboarding, and early retention.
  • Plan, coordinate, and participate in recruitment events, job fairs, employer panels, and hiring initiatives.

Data Management, Compliance & Reporting

• • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records, case notes, and placement outcomes using an ATS, CRM, or similar database.
  • Track, analyze, and report placement and retention metrics to assess program effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funder requirements, and applicable employment and workforce development regulations.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Counseling, Education, Social Work, Business, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in workforce development, career coaching, recruitment, job placement, or related human services work.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of race, education level, work experience, disability status, or accommodation needs.

Skills & Competencies

• • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and build trust with diverse populations.
  • Working knowledge of job search strategies, labor market trends, and employer engagement practices.
  • Ability to manage a participant caseload independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using CRM/ATS systems (Salesforce preferred).
  • Demonstrated empathy, professionalism, and commitment to supporting individuals in achieving meaningful employment outcomes.

Additional Requirements

• • Some evening and/or weekend work may be required for workshops, employer events, or job fairs.
  • Reliable transportation required for off-site employer and community engagement activities.

Physical Requirements

• • Ability to sit, stand, and move around the office for extended periods.
  • Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. for event or meeting setup.

At The Training Source, we value diverse perspectives and the unique experiences each individual brings. We recognize that qualifications can be met through a variety of combinations of knowledge, skills, and lived experience. If you are enthusiastic about this role and believe you can contribute to our mission—even if your background does not align perfectly with every qualification—we encourage you to apply.

The Training Source offers a competitive benefits package that includes short and long term disability PTO, health coverage and much more. This is a full-time salaried position. The salary is competitive with other nonprofit organizations and will align with the candidate’s relevant experience and knowledge.