Workforce Development Specialist (Hybrid)

YWCA Hartford Region is looking for a proactive self-starter with experience in workforce development and a strong understanding of the tech job market to join our Programs Department. If you are passionate about creating pathways to career success, fostering community connections, and promoting equity in employment, we encourage you to apply. 

Position Summary:

The Workforce Development Specialist will connect participants with career opportunities in high-demand industries by building strategic relationships with employers, securing job placements, and providing personalized job search coaching. This is a hybrid role that reports to the Program Manager and supports program recruitment and community engagement efforts, with a primary focus on job placement.  

Essential Functions of the Job:

Job Placement & Employer Engagement 

• Establishes and maintains partnerships with tech companies and employers that create employment and internship opportunities for participants. 
• Supports participants in identifying and securing permanent, part-time, and full-time roles aligned with their career goals, strengths, skills, and training. 
• Tracks and reports on employer engagement activities and placement outcomes.

Recruitment

• Supports the recruitment of new participants into the YW Tech Lab program through community outreach, social media, and collaboration with community partners. 
• Builds and fosters trusting relationships with prospective participants, providing accurate information about opportunities and expectations. 
• Serves as Ambassador for the organization and workforce development program at job fairs, community events, and other outreach activities as needed.

Job Readiness Coaching 

• Provides individualized and group-based job search and workforce readiness coaching, including, but not limited to, resume writing, interviewing, job search strategies, and professional communication. 
• Facilitates workshops, mock interviews, and experiential learning opportunities through role-playing to build participant confidence and skills for navigating the workplace. 
• Uses a strengths-based, participant-centered approach to assist with making employment decisions, onboarding processes, and early employment challenges.

Program Support & Collaboration 

• Collaborates with supervisor and program staff to ensure a well-coordinated, supportive, and seamless participant experience. 
• Maintains and provides accurate, timely documentation and reports related to participant engagement, recruitment, coaching, and outcomes.
• Actively participates in team meetings, sharing updates on employer engagement efforts and participant progress, barriers, and outcomes. 
• Utilizes the Sanctuary Model and provides support that promotes participant choice, empowerment, and resilience.

Schedule: 

This is a part-time, hourly position. As part of a hybrid work model, the Workforce Development Specialist will maintain a mix of in-office and remote work. Standard hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Specific hours of operation will be discussed and agreed upon between the Program Manager and the selected candidate to ensure alignment with program needs and participant support. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate’s degree in Workforce Development, Human Services, Education, Business, or a related field required;   

Proven experience in workforce development, career coaching, or job placement, including:

• Workforce Development Expertise: Knowledge of career pathways, job readiness strategies, and employment trends, particularly in the technology sector.
• Employer & Community Engagement: Ability to build and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, and stakeholders to support recruitment and job placement. 
• Career Coaching & Advising: Skilled in guiding individuals through resume writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional development. 
• Recruitment & Outreach: Experience in engaging different populations through community events, social media, and direct outreach to increase program participation. 
• Cultural Competency & Equity Focus: Committed to supporting diverse populations with a focus on racial, gender, and economic equity. 
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to engage effectively with participants, partners, and team members. 
• Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation. 
• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable with digital tools, platforms, and databases to support job search, data tracking, and virtual engagement.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree in Workforce Development, Human Services, Education, Business, or a related field;

Certifications in workforce development or technology-related areas:

• Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) 
• Project Management Certification (PMP, CAPM, or Scrum) 
• Industry-recognized technology certifications, such as CompTIA A+, Google IT Support, Microsoft Office Specialist, or other relevant credentials that demonstrate familiarity with tech industry standards.

Key Competencies: 

• Seeks to cultivate and develop professional working relationships with key stakeholders, i.e., staff, volunteers, interns, board members, etc.;
• Demonstrated skill in understanding others;
• Engages in (or commits to) personal and professional development;
• Demonstrates a willingness to examine one’s assumptions and attitudes;
• Maintains productive work relationships while considering multiple perspectives;
• Demonstrates awareness of one’s and others’ life experiences and their relevance in the workplace;
• Experience resolving conflicts effectively; and
• Promotes a respectful work environment in which concerns are addressed effectively. 

Skills: 

• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate complex environments and populations, respond to evolving priorities, and seize opportunities for advancing departmental and organizational goals;
• Approachability: Listens; allows adequate time for interactions; creates a supportive communication environment;
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot;
• Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary business information;
• Customer Focus: Builds effective relationships with customers, identifies customer expectations, tries to see issues from their point of view; offers practical solutions to concerns;
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including public speaking, media relations, and crafting materials;
• Composure: Responds to information and situations in a self-controlled manner;
• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes and values different ideas of others; Empathetically and respectfully accepts these differences and works cooperatively and sincerely to optimize the contributions of all individuals;
• Ethics & Integrity: Makes decisions and conducts oneself in a manner consistent with the organization's mission. Respects all individuals in the work environment;
• Flexibility: Must be able to travel periodically to various locations around the state;
• Goal Setting: Develops and communicates goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-limited;
• Growth and Development: Ability to accept critical feedback;
• Industry Knowledge: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of development and marketing;
• Innovative Problem Solving: Creative approach to identifying challenges, developing solutions, and driving change;
• Mission-driven: Understands programs and services offered by YWCA Hartford Region;
• Organization: Exceptional organizational skills and superb attention to detail required;
• Personal Accountability: Accepts responsibility for own actions and embraces experiences as learning opportunities;
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and local leaders;
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term plans aligned with organizational goals, and adapt strategies in response to emerging issues and political landscapes;
• Team Building: Recognizes and builds on the strengths of others; Looks for ways to build positive relationships on the work team; Demonstrates trust and respect for others;
• Technical Skills: Possesses the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform required job elements to established standards;
• Time Management: Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Work Relationships: Builds productive relationships in the workplace to achieve goals.