Employment Specialist

About Beyond Literacy (BeLit)

BeLit is Philadelphia's leading adult literacy nonprofit. We pride ourselves on high quality service to over 1500 striving adults annually through cost-free educational services including English language learning, GED-prep, digital literacy, family literacy, and career preparation. Come join our staff and help us change lives through literacy!

Job Summary

Our Workforce Development (WD) team is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Employment Specialist. This role is crucial in fostering strong relationships with local employers, facilitating job placements for our program graduates, and preparing participants with industry-required STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) interview techniques. The Employment Specialist will work closely with program participants, employers, and partners to ensure successful employment outcomes and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the program. Fulltime staff typically work onsite up to 3-4 days per week and work 1-2 days remotely depending on program needs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employer Relationship Management: Identify and cultivate relationships with local employers in the green energy sector and related industries. Develop partnerships that lead to job placements and apprenticeship opportunities for program graduates. Maintain ongoing communication with employers to understand their hiring needs and ensure alignment with program outcomes.
2. Participant Support and Job Placement: Provide individualized career counseling and job search support to program participants. Assist participants in developing professional resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Facilitate mock interviews and provide feedback, with a focus on STAR interview techniques. Coordinate job fairs, employer panels, and other networking opportunities for participants. Host and participate in targeted hiring and job resource fairs to connect participants with potential employers and job opportunities. Track participant progress and outcomes, ensuring data is accurately recorded and reported.
3. Program Development and Sustainability: Collaborate with the program team to continuously improve our workforce programs based on employer feedback and industry trends. Support grant reporting and proposal development by providing data and success stories. Assist in the identification of additional funding opportunities to sustain and expand employment services.
4. Community Engagement: Represent Beyond Literacy at community events, industry forums, and networking groups to raise awareness of the KEEP program. Engage with community organizations, workforce development boards, and other stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Human Resources, Workforce Development, Education, or Business Administration. Equivalent experience may be considered. Minimum of 3 years of experience in workforce development, employer relations, or a related field. Experience working with adult learners, particularly in a nonprofit or educational setting, is highly desirable.
2. Skills & Abilities: Strong understanding of the green energy industry and workforce needs. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Proficiency in teaching and coaching STAR interview techniques. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CRM systems.
3. Personal Attributes: Passionate about adult education, workforce development, and social impact. Culturally competent with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Solution-oriented with a positive, can-do attitude.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work as a team member and maintain a student-focused, solutions-oriented outlook.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations and develop positive relationships with students, colleagues, and partners in the field.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong oral communication and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail; ability to write clear and concise case notes and other communications.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office 365, Salesforce, and Internet search engines.
• Occasional flexibility with working hours required.