Job Developer & Retention Coordinator (Bilingual)

Way Finders•Springfield, MA

3d•$24 - $27•Hybrid

About The Position

Way Finders is seeking a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) Job Developer and Retention Coordinator serving Springfield and Holyoke. The Coordinator supports long-term job stability and career growth for program participants by combining career-focused case management with proactive employer engagement. The role develops, secures, and maintains employment opportunities while providing individualized retention support, curriculum facilitation, and post-placement services. The Coordinator collaborates with program staff, community partners, and employers to build employment pipelines, address retention barriers, and achieve measurable job placement and career advancement outcomes. The position may be performed in a hybrid-remote capacity, but the employee must live within commuting distance of the Springfield and Holyoke offices for regular onsite work and meetings. Workday travel to meet employers is required, as is regular travel throughout Western Massachusetts. Evening or weekend work may be needed. The starting wage is $24.25 to $27.25 per hour, depending on equivalent qualifications. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. CORI/MVR screening applies.

Requirements

Three years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, employment services, or a related role; a combination of experience and an Associate degree may substitute.
One year of experience as a specialist in a workforce development discipline.
Bilingual English/Spanish verbal and written skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust.
Proficiency with Office365 and databases, and comfort learning new technologies.
Strong organizational skills, including data management and reporting.
Ability to problem-solve effectively to address barriers to job stability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and program requirements.
Ability to travel regularly throughout Western Massachusetts and work evenings or weekends as needed.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Experience engaging employers and supporting long-term job retention is preferred.

Responsibilities

Initiate, establish, and maintain professional relationships with employers, industry representatives, and job placement agencies to develop and promote employment and on-the-job training opportunities, coordinating with workforce development partners.
Maintain updated records of employer relationships and job placements.
Conduct employer outreach, including cold calls, to explain program benefits and address employer needs.
Research labor market trends and job leads, match applicants’ skills and qualifications, and make referrals.
Develop and implement retention strategies and career initiatives to improve client outcomes.
Organize and attend hiring events, job fairs, and employer panels to connect participants with opportunities.
Facilitate job placement and retention-focused workshops and measure outcomes using attendance, placement, and retention data.
Gather feedback from employers and employees during placements and recommend improvements as needed.
Collaborate with Employment Specialists to identify potential clients.
Contact clients and employers as appropriate to support job stability, including conducting post-placement and post-exit follow-ups.
Conduct quarterly assessments of clients’ skills, needs, and barriers, and identify next steps for success.
Collect paystubs and other documentation for accurate billing and reporting, and maintain timely, complete, and accurate client records.
Provide staff with technical guidance and training on assessing participants’ readiness for employment.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff and departments, employers, community groups, funding sources, and service providers.
Identify and inform program management of issues that may adversely affect participants, employers, the department, or the organization.
Stay current with workforce development trends, labor market demands, and best practices.