Job Developer - job 1 of 3

As a Job Developer at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in New Orleans, you will engage in a range of responsibilities focused on enhancing employment opportunities for participants. This includes developing and implementing strategic placement plans, cultivating relationships with prospective employers, maintaining existing partnerships, and managing participant placements effectively. You will be responsible for achieving placement goals and ensuring that the job matches align with each participant’s skills and aspirations.

To qualify for the Job Developer position at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), candidates should have prior experience in workforce development, recruitment, or sales/account management. A strong dedication to social justice and a passion for helping individuals facing barriers are essential. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences are also critical components of this role.

CEO focuses on a holistic approach by customizing job placements based on individual participant skills, experience, and interests. Job Developers actively coach participants through the application process, help tailor their resumes, and ensure they are adequately prepared for interviews. This comprehensive support not only facilitates successful placements but also aims to foster long-term employment retention and personal growth.

The salary for the Job Developer position at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is competitive and commensurate with experience. Although specific figures may vary, CEO also offers a transparent compensation philosophy that considers various factors, such as internal equity and geographical location, ensuring that all team members are compensated fairly.

CEO provides a comprehensive benefits package for its Job Developers, which includes medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan, paid parental leave, vacation and sick leave, and holidays. Additionally, employees participate in professional development opportunities, including training in Motivational Interviewing, helping staff enhance their methodologies to better support participants in their job search journey.

When managing multiple participant placements, I prioritize tasks by assessing urgency and potential impact. I typically start by creating a schedule that allocates dedicated time for screening candidates, outreach to employers, and follow-ups. An organized task list enables me to handle each placement efficiently while ensuring each participant receives the attention and support they need.

To assess a participant’s job readiness, I would conduct a comprehensive evaluation through one-on-one interviews to understand their skills, experiences, and future aspirations. Additionally, I would review any training they have undertaken and gauge their confidence in various competencies to identify areas where they may need further support before beginning the job search.

Building relationships with employers requires effective communication and trust. I would use strategies like regular visits, industry networking events, and personalized outreach tailored to employer needs, showcasing how partnering with CEO can add value to their hiring strategies. Consistency in follow-ups and delivering on promises can also solidify these relationships.

In a previous role, I faced a challenge where an employer had concerns about hiring candidates with criminal backgrounds. I organized an information session and invited both past participants and employers to share success stories, emphasizing the benefits and contributions of a diverse workforce. This approach fostered understanding and opened up hiring opportunities.

I measure the success of job placements through various indicators, such as participant retention rates, duration of employment, and participants' feedback. I also assess the satisfaction levels of employers regarding the placements. Conducting follow-ups with participants regularly allows me to stay informed of their progress and address any potential challenges early.

Data analysis is crucial in job development as it helps track trends, identify demand in the job market, and assess the effectiveness of our strategies. By analyzing participant data, we can tailor our training and placement strategies to better align with employer needs and participant aspirations, ensuring our approach is evidence-based.

Customizing a resume involves highlighting the participant's most relevant skills and experiences to the respective job opportunity. I work with participants to assess their strengths and adapt their resumes by emphasizing transferable skills and relevant accomplishments that align with the job description, plus ensuring that their resumes convey their unique journeys.

My motivation stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of opportunity. Seeing individuals regain their confidence and achieve their career goals reflects the positive change I aspire to promote. I am committed to being part of a mission that supports social justice and creates impactful solutions for those who need them most.

My experience with case management systems such as Salesforce includes utilizing it for tracking participant progress, managing employer relationships, and documenting communication effectively. I understand the importance of accuracy and timeliness in data entry, which allows for better analysis of programs and helps access valuable insights that drive our work.

When faced with objections from employers, I focus on active listening to understand their concerns and then offer evidence-based responses or solutions. This might include addressing misconceptions about hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and sharing success stories of participants who have thrived in similar positions. Building trust through open dialogue is key in these discussions.