Workforce Readiness Specialist

About TASK

The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) feeds those who are hungry in the Trenton Area and offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons. Every person we serve moves along one continuum of care, at their own pace, across five stages:

• Food First – meeting immediate needs with dignity
• Stabilization & Connection – linking patrons to essential support
• Readiness & Skill-Building – building confidence and capability
• Employment & Placement – opening doors to meaningful work
• Self-Sufficiency & Economic Mobility – sustaining independence

Every role at TASK, including this one, supports patrons somewhere along that continuum.

Theory of Change and Organizational Impact

All TASK employees contribute to the organization's Theory of Change by providing food first and supporting opportunities for greater stability, self-sufficiency, community connection, belonging, and improved quality of life. This position sits at the intersection of two Theory of Change Pillars: Readiness & Skill-Building, by equipping participants with the soft skills, digital literacy, and job-search tools needed to move from readiness to real opportunity; and Employment & Placement, by preparing participants to enter and succeed in the workforce. Success in this role directly supports One Mission. One Continuum. One Future.

The Opportunity

TASK is seeking a Workforce Readiness Specialist to prepare our patrons and program participants for successful entry into the workforce. As the Education & Employment Program's primary workforce-readiness instructor, you'll deliver soft skills, job-search preparation, and digital-literacy instruction to participants in Emilio's Culinary Academy, Transitional Jobs, and the broader community — building the confidence, skills, and tools they need to find and keep meaningful employment. This is a full-time, hourly position, located in Trenton, NJ.

What You'll Do

• Facilitate workforce-readiness instruction covering soft/life skills, job-search preparation, and Digital Life Skills, adapting to varying literacy levels and learning needs.
• Provide individual and group coaching to help participants build workforce-readiness skills and reach employment goals.
• Administer assessments, monitor participant progress, and identify individuals ready for more intensive career-navigation services.
• Support Emilio's Culinary Academy and Transitional Jobs participants through their transition to competitive employment, including interview prep and post-placement coaching.
• Maintain accurate participant documentation and collaborate with the Education & Employment team, Culinary Operations, and Case Management to ensure coordinated support.

What We're Looking for

• High school diploma required; associate degree or postsecondary training in education, workforce development, or human services preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in workforce development, adult education, employment services, coaching, or a related field.
• Experience facilitating groups, teaching adults, or providing employment-related coaching strongly preferred.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills, with the ability to engage adult learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong digital literacy, with the ability to confidently learn, navigate, and teach digital tools.
• Experience with CRM/case-management systems such as Apricot, and bilingual Spanish/English skills, are a plus.

Who Thrives Here

• You're a natural teacher and coach who can meet adult learners where they are.
• You lead with empathy and understand the barriers facing individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, or unemployment.
• You're organized, collaborative, and motivated by helping people move toward self-sufficiency.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Salary: $48,500 annually

TASK offers a generous health benefits package including medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, and life insurance; paid time-off benefits, and 401k retirement plan.

TASK offers a generous health benefits package including medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, and life insurance; paid time-off benefits, and 401k retirement plan.

3 weeks' vacation, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, plus holidays

Bi-lingual Spanish a plus