Job Description
Job Developer Position Description
Reports To: Uplift Program Director
Status: Exempt
Location: IFE Wellness Center – Philadelphia, PA
Position Summary: The Job Developer will be responsible for building pathways to employment for SELF program participants who have experienced homelessness, housing insecurity, or related barriers. Working in close collaboration with Housing Navigators, Case Managers, and other SELF team members, the Job Developer will design and implement individualized employment strategies that align with participant goals for long-term housing stability and economic independence.
The Job Developer will cultivate relationships with employers, training programs, and vocational services across Philadelphia to create opportunities for participants. They will also facilitate life skills, employment readiness training, and job placement services that support each participant's transition toward self-sufficiency.
This role is critical to the overall success of SELF Inc.'s employment services and supportive housing programs through the SELF Uplift program.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and maintain individualized employment plans aligned with participants’ service goals.
- Conduct employment assessments to identify skills, interests, employment history, and barriers to employment.
- Create and maintain a database of employer partners, job opportunities, vocational programs, and training certifications.
- Establish and nurture partnerships with businesses, workforce development agencies, and vocational training providers.
- Solicit potential employers to create employment opportunities for participants, including internships, subsidized employment, and permanent placements.
- Coordinate and host employer engagement activities such as job fairs, informational interviews, and work-readiness seminars.
- Provide job coaching, resume preparation, interview skills training, and soft-skills development to program participants.
- Conduct employment readiness workshops and individualized sessions covering topics like communication skills, workplace expectations, and career exploration.
- Support participants in securing vocational certifications aligned with labor market demand and participant interests.
- Assist participants in overcoming barriers to employment, such as transportation needs, documentation, and access to work supplies.
- Provide post-employment coaching to assist participants in retaining employment and advancing in their careers.
- Track all participant outcomes, including training attendance, job placements, retention milestones, and wage progression.
- Submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports detailing job development activities and participant outcomes.
- Ensure all documentation, including participant progress notes and service plans, are accurately entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and internal databases.
- Collaborate with the SELF Housing and Employment Team to align employment goals with housing stability strategies.
- Participate in interdisciplinary case conferencing and contribute to housing stability planning for participants.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in workforce development, job placement, case management, or a related area.
- Strong knowledge of workforce development resources, employment trends, and labor market information.
- Experience working with individuals facing multiple barriers to employment, including homelessness, behavioral health challenges, justice involvement, or lack of recent employment history.
- Familiarity with Housing First principles, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care approaches preferred.
- Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, data tracking systems, and basic reporting software.
- Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation required.
Preferred Skills:
- Prior experience in nonprofit organizations serving homeless populations.
- Knowledge of Philadelphia’s employment landscape, supportive service networks, and public benefits systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off and flexible work schedules.
- 401(k) retirement savings with company match.
- Professional development opportunities, and leadership training.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Self employment, Internship, Work at office, Flexible hours,