Job Developer

United Planning Organization • Washington, DC

2d • $60,000 - $65,000 • Remote

About The Position

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is seeking an energetic and experienced Job Developer to join the UPO Workforce Institute (WFI) team. This role requires a self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment, while also being a team player. The ideal candidate will provide a high level of customer support and service to both internal and external customers. UPO is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse staff to enhance its community engagement and services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, vocational counseling, or a related field with 3-5 years of experience, OR 7-10 years of experience in employment programs and job development.
• Proven track record in employment placement for the underserved.
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office programs and electronic timekeeping programs.
• Effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Computer literate including MS Office and data management systems.
• Proven ability to place 6–8 candidates monthly into full- and part-time roles.
• Skilled in aligning participant skills, interests, and career goals with employer needs.
• Strong understanding of workforce programs, job readiness, and placement strategies.
• Ability to motivate, coach, and build trust with diverse populations.
• Manage multiple responsibilities including placements, workshops, and employer outreach.
• Ensure services meet program targets and performance metrics.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual/Spanish
• Master’s degree in business, marketing, vocational counseling or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Place at least 6-8 UPO WFI graduates in full and/or part-time positions per month.
• Conduct employment-related workshops in groups and individualized settings to match customer interests and skills to employment.
• Participate in planning job fairs for UPO customers, including recruiting 8-10 employers, assisting with set-up and event facilitation.
• Coordinate the “Employers Showcase” events to honor employers working with UPO customers.
• Locate and join local workforce and job coalition partnerships and attend relevant meetings.
• Collaborate with other job developers in the UPO system for employment leads and employer-engagement strategies.
• Establish progressive partnerships with employers in the District of Columbia to develop job placements for UPO customers.
• Design and implement employer engagement initiatives, including marketing, solicitation, and door-to-door recruitment to cultivate and maintain employer partners.
• Assess each customer, addressing barriers to self-sufficiency and employment (personal, financial, emotional, physical, career decision-making, and planning issues).
• Develop job search plans in collaboration with customers based on assessment findings.
• Facilitate the referral process for identified customer needs, including emergency assistance, support services (mental health, substance abuse recovery, life skills training, career/job readiness training, financial literacy counseling), employment placement, and external referrals.
• Monitor customer progress on assigned caseload and maintain bi-weekly contact via case management sessions, telephone, and training groups.
• Complete case progress notes and update client files accordingly.
• Follow up with customers on the “case roster” bi-weekly, initiating outreach via phone calls, letters, and email.
• Maintain customer case notes and files to document case management and outreach efforts.
• Participate in Community Outreach throughout various DC wards to expand client base and promote UPO WFI services.
• Attend special events in the DC metropolitan area to promote the agency and recruit clientele.

Benefits

• Health/Kaiser, 70/30 split
• Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
• Vision/VSP, all employees paid
• 401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution
• Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• 2 Personal Days
• Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level