Placement Specialist

SAN DIEGO WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP INC•San Diego, CA

1d•$31 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Program Manager or Program Director, the Placement Specialist – Opportunity Youth supports workforce development programs by leading and coordinating participant placement activities including internships, permanent employment, postsecondary education & training, and apprenticeship opportunities. The Placement Specialist works closely with Youth program staff, Business & Community Relations team, Marketing & Communications team, and external employers & partners to ensure participants are connected to high-quality work-based learning, education and employment opportunities aligned with industry demand. This role serves as a key liaison between program operations, employer partners, and communications staff. The Placement Specialist assists with placement tracking, employer outreach, training provider connections, hiring events, and collaborates with the San Diego Workforce Partnership communications team to support web content updates, outreach collateral, and success stories that highlight program impact. The position requires strong relationship-building skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities across programs while ensuring compliance with funding, reporting, and performance requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business, Communications, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field OR related field
3–5 years of experience in workforce development, job placement, employer engagement, business services, or a related field
3-5 administrative experience
Experience working with Transition Aged Youth
Experience supporting internships, employment placements, or work-based learning programs
Experience working with employers and external partners
Experience coordinating hiring events or recruitment activities.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple placement activities across programs
Computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database systems
California Driver’s License, proof of insurance and clean driving record required.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of all ages and social and ethnic backgrounds.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent listening skills.
Ability to provide technical advice and instruction to non-technical staff.
Ability to research and evaluate data using computer software.
Ability to learn and operate a variety of software programs.
Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, time management, and multi-tasking skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public administration, Business, Communications, Social Work, Human Services
Familiarity with WIOA, OJT, apprenticeships, and work-based learning models
Experience collaborating with communications or marketing teams
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in San Diego County

Responsibilities

Apply equity-centered, trauma-informed, and participant-centered approaches to placement support
Support participant placement activities including internships, unsubsidized employment, on-the-job training (OJT), enrollment in postsecondary education or training and permanent job placement across programs
Match participants with appropriate employment opportunities based on skills, interests, and employer requirements
Coordinate with program staff to ensure participants are job-ready and supported throughout placement and retention periods
Track and document services, outcomes, wages, retention, and required follow-up in CalJOBS, Salesforce, and other internal systems
Prepare placement-related reports and summaries for internal teams and funders as needed
Ensure timely and accurate data entry, documentation of services, and verification of placement outcomes in accordance with funder requirements
Collaborate with team members to ensure alignment between training, participant readiness, and employer needs
Support the planning, coordination, and execution of hiring fairs, employer panels, and recruitment events in collaboration with the business engagement team.
Conduct employer outreach to identify placement, work-based learning, and hiring opportunities aligned with Population Specific programs.
Build and maintain relationships with employers, industry partners, training providers, and community-based organizations.
Support website updates related to programs and employer partnerships.
Development of outreach collateral, flyers, and digital materials.
Collection and documentation of participant and employer success stories.
Represent San Diego Workforce Partnership at employer meetings, hiring events, and community forums
Ensure adherence to SDWP policies, procedures, and ethical standards