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: Helping Offenders Prepare for Employment Program

Location: Lakeland, Florida (With Limited Travel to Tampa, FL; Serving: Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco Counties)

Position Type: Full-Time

About Tampa Bay Academy of Hope:

Tampa Bay Academy of Hope (TBAH) is committed to facilitating positive, impactful change in the lives of returning citizens navigating their way from incarceration to community reintegration. Our Helping Offenders Prepare for Employment Program is carefully crafted to provide essential tools and opportunities to ensure that participants can confidently enter the workforce and build a stable future.

Position Overview:

In the role of Employment Specialist/Job Developer, your pivotal efforts in relationship-building with employers, and educational guidance will open doors for our program participants, providing them not just with opportunities for employment but for renewed hope and stability in their communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with local employers across Hillsborough, Polk, and Pasco counties to secure employment opportunities for program participants.
• Teach employment preparation classes, guiding returning citizens in building resumes, developing interviewing skills, and navigating job applications.
• Navigate correctional facility environments willingly and empathetically to facilitate in-prison workshops and programs.
• Monitor and document participants’ progression through the program, ensuring their successful adaptation and growth within their employment positions.
• Assess and analyze labor market trends to align opportunities effectively with participants' skills and interests.
• Collaborate closely with other program staff to create, implement, and optimize individualized employment strategies for participants.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in job development, career counseling, or related areas, particularly within a context related to returning citizens or similar populations.
• Ability and willingness to work within correctional facilities and engage productively with incarcerated individuals.
• A robust ability to establish and uphold meaningful relationships with a network of employers.
• Proficient in evaluating labor market trends and identifying appropriate employment sectors.
• Strong verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to engage in local travel as needed.

Preferred Qualities:

• Insight or experience pertaining to the challenges faced by returning citizens during reintegration.
• Previous experience teaching or facilitating classes/workshops.

Why Work With Us?

• Engage in profoundly meaningful work that creates tangible, positive change in individuals’ lives and communities.
• Join a supportive and passionate team dedicated to making a difference.
• Benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates, please submit your resume and a cover letter articulating your experience and why you believe you are a strong fit for this role.

Tampa Bay Academy of Hope is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed 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