Employment Specialist/Job Developer

Join a team that is passionately committed to advancing economic opportunity by inspiring and preparing youth and adults for high-demand careers and lifelong learning and growth through our workforce development programs. Tampa Bay Academy of Hope and its Networks and community partners create solutions and change policies to bring the best workforce development programs to young people and adults in our service areas, especially people of color, females, and youth and adults living in high-poverty and rural communities. Our goal is for every TBAH participants to realize their full potential and thrive in our innovation-driven economy and society. Launched in 1996, TBAH has a track record of success, a highly engaged board of directors, and an entrepreneurial and results-driven spirit. Our organization has a close-knit culture in which we place a high priority on communication, collaboration, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion where each person is supported to thrive, and having fun together. TBAH recognizes that historical and systemic inequity, especially institutional racism, is the root cause to problems we aim to solve. We acknowledge that it is impossible for us to fulfill our mission without creating an equitable and inclusive environment for our staff, partners, and people we serve.

Job Title:Employment Specialist/Job Developer

Organization: Tampa Bay Academy of Hope

Program: 2nd Chance Heroes Program

Location: Tampa, Florida (Serving: Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Manatee, Hardee, and Highlands Counties)

Position Type: Full-Time

About Us:

Tampa Bay Academy of Hope (TBAH) champions the cause of ensuring that veterans navigating their journey from incarceration to community reintegration find stability, purpose, and employment. Our 2nd Chance Heroes Program is meticulously developed to equip returning veterans with tools and opportunities necessary for seamless re-entry into the community.

Job Overview:

As an Employment Specialist/Job Developer for the 2nd Chance Heroes Program, you will be integral in crafting, developing, and securing employment pathways for veterans returning from prison. Your adept skills in relationship-building with employers and dedication to making a meaningful impact will facilitate sustainable employment opportunities for our program participants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and fortify relationships with local employers across multiple counties to carve out employment opportunities for veterans.
• Guide veterans in job readiness, including resume building and honing interview skills.
• Travel extensively across specified counties and conduct sessions within correctional facilities.
• Engage in labor market analysis to identify and align opportunities with participant skills and interests.
• Monitor, support, and document the employment progress of program participants.
• Work closely with other program staff to devise and implement individualized employment strategies for veterans.
• Conduct workshops and programs within prisons, preparing veterans for post-release employment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Prior experience in job development, career counseling, or a similar role.
• Comfort and willingness to work within correctional facilities and with incarcerated individuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with employers.
• Proficient in labor market trends and employment sectors analysis.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and willingness to undertake extensive travel.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrable ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.

Preferred:

• Knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by veterans transitioning from incarceration.
• Prior experience or a strong understanding of military culture and veterans' issues.

Why Join Our Team?

• Engage in profoundly impactful work, contributing to the successful reintegration of veterans into the community.
• Be a pivotal player in a program that changes lives and betters our communities.
• Benefit from a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Thrive in an inclusive and supportive workplace environment that values every team member.

How to Apply:

To become a catalyst for change in a veteran's life, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

Tampa Bay Academy of Hope is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are devoted to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type:  Full-Time, At-Will

Tampa Bay Academy of Hope is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Tampa Bay Academy of Hope,

7402 N 56th Street, Suite 400

Tampa, FL 33617-7733

Fax: 813-620-4225

E-mail: tlamb@tampahope.org