Job Development Specialist

Status: FT Non-Exempt

Reports To: Supportive Housing Manager

Schedule of Hours: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours/week

Possible Percentage of Work from Home: 80% on site; 20% work from home

Mandated Reporter: No

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

As the only agency in San Mateo County with the sole purpose of serving those experiencing intimate partner abuse, CORA provides safety, support and healing. CORA’s comprehensive services include a 24-hour hotline, collaboration with law enforcement, emergency shelter options, legal services and family-centered mental health therapy. In addition, CORA provides community education and prevention programming throughout the county. CORA is a multicultural agency committed to serving individuals, regardless of age, ethnicity/race, financial status, language, sexual orientation, immigration status, class, religion, gender, gender expression, mental or physical ability.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Job Development Specialist will be a vital role in CORA's Supportive Housing team, playing a crucial role in connecting job seekers who are moving into independent living with suitable employment opportunities, fostering relationships with employers, assisting job seekers in overcoming barriers to employment and achieving their career goals. We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and persistence to excel in this role. This position works closely with the Supportive Housing team while reporting directly to the Supportive Housing Manager.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES

• Employer Outreach: Actively engage with employers to understand their hiring needs, identify job openings, and establish partnerships for the purpose of creating employment opportunities for CORA clients.
• Job Matching: Assess the skills, qualifications, and interests of CORA clients to match them with suitable job vacancies, ensuring a good fit for both parties.
• Job Creation: Work collaboratively with employers to identify and create new job opportunities, such as on-the-job training, internships, or apprenticeships, tailored to the skills and requirements of CORA clients.
• Marketing and Promotion: Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote CORA's services to potential employers.
• Employment Retention Support: Provide ongoing support to both employers and CORA Job Development Advocate to ensure job retention and satisfaction, addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Proactively seek, track, and actively participate in industry events, job fairs, and community outreach activities to expand CORA's network and identify potential employment opportunities for CORA’s clients. 
• Intake and Assessment: Conduct initial intake interviews with CORA clients to gather information on their employment history, skills, education, interests, and barriers to employment.
• Individualized Employment Plan: Collaborate with CORA clients to develop a tailored employment plan, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals and outlining the steps needed to achieve those goals.
• Skill Development: Identify CORA clients’ skill gaps and provide resources or referrals to relevant training programs, workshops, or educational opportunities to help them improve their employability.
• Job Search Assistance: Offer guidance and support in job search activities, including resume and cover letter writing, job application assistance, and interview preparation.
• Support Services Coordination: Connect CORA clients with additional support services, such as transportation assistance, childcare, housing resources, or financial counseling, to address barriers to employment.
• Case Management and Monitoring: Regularly follow up with CORA clients to monitor their progress, provide ongoing support, and adjust their employment plan as needed.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate case notes and records of CORA clients' progress, and prepare reports to track outcomes and demonstrate the effectiveness of the program.
• Advocacy: Advocate for CORA clients' needs and interests, helping them navigate potential challenges and obstacles in their job search and employment journey.
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate records of employer contacts, job placements, and other relevant data, and prepare reports to track progress and outcomes.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work closely with other CORA staff to provide comprehensive support and ensure the success of CORA's workforce development initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 1-year experience in workforce development, job placement, or a related field, with a successful track record of job placements and building employer relationships, as well as demonstrated case management abilities in supporting job seekers to overcome barriers and achieve employment goals.
• Proficiency in using common office software, such as Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn and use job search and client database software.
• Academic requirements for this position include a minimum of an associate's degree (AA) in a relevant field such as human resources, business administration, social work, or psychology. However, candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and significant work experience in workforce development, job placement, or a related field may be considered in lieu of the AA degree. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Successful results upon hire from a DOJ Live Scan fingerprint clearance are required
• Completion of the 40 Hour Training – required and will be provided to the successful applicant upon hire if not already completed within last 5 years. 
• Driver’s License and active insurance requirement
• Current COVID vaccination verification, or a written medical or religious exemption provided by your personal physician or religious leader. 

EEO STATEMENT

CORA inspires work of the highest caliber by fostering staff engagement through transparency and inclusion in agency decisions wherever possible. We strive to ensure our policies and communications reflect an appreciation of the impact of social inequities, historical and current, and actively promote healthy relationships amongst staff by demonstrating mutual respect in all our communications. CORA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We seek diversity with respect to race, color, age, sex, (including breastfeeding and medical conditions related to breastfeeding), religion (including religious dress or grooming practices), national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic characteristics and information, ancestry, marital status, family status, political belief, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), medical condition, military, or veteran status or any other category or status protected by Federal, State or other applicable laws.

All applicants are welcome. Individuals who are bilingual, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and/or survivors of domestic violence are strongly encouraged to apply. The position will remain open until filled.