Career Development Specialist

About Job Train

Job Train is an organization on the move. We deliver best‑in‑class outcomes, expanding regionally and advancing community members beyond initial job placement to full economic mobility.

Born out of the civil rights movement in 1965, we serve literally anyone who journeys through one of our six Bay Area career or training centers. We create a safe, welcoming space reflecting community diversity and provide long‑term support for clients to achieve full economic mobility.

The Career Development Specialist (CDS) plays a key role in our vocational education and student placement program. Primary responsibilities include recruiting clients, assisting with eligibility documentation and assessments, scheduling enrollments and orientations, addressing barriers, coaching students, and developing employer partnerships for job placement opportunities.

This position offers flexible hours and locations; however, a minimum of three days in‑office is expected to meet client, student and organizational needs. Initial training period may restrict or prohibit working from home.

• Outreach – Represent Job Train at outreach events designed to recruit potential clients, students and employers. Build and manage relationships with potential employers for graduating students.
• Orientation / Registration – Conduct orientation for clients interested in becoming students, guide clients through intake documentation and assessments to determine eligibility for low‑ and no‑cost services, process registration and enroll student‑clients into vocational workshops and educational programs.
• Coaching / Counseling / Case Management – Monitor and document student‑client progress and provide feedback on a regular basis. Provide personal and career counseling and coaching as needed. Refer for additional supportive services and co‑case manage as needed.
• Training – Evaluate client needs and provide 1‑1 or group training on topics such as resume writing, mock interviews, critical thinking, soft skills, role play, appropriate dress and grooming in various workplaces.
• Work Experience / Job Placement – Facilitate job search, job placement, and work experience externships. Identify job opportunities and present job leads. Submit resumes to potential employers. Track employer placements for subsequent reporting.
• Reporting – Deliver and report status, outcomes and program deliverables for internal / external audiences in a timely manner.
• Collaborate – Partner with career development staff and Job Train staff to provide input / feedback to document and proactively and continuously improve career development / Job Train processes.

• 1‑2 years of relevant career experience in job development and placement space.
• Proven experience with workforce development (LMI, labor force dynamics) as it relates to job placement.
• Experience owning and managing workflow, paperwork and documentation, ensuring processes are complete and deadlines are met.
• Understanding of managing a caseload. Account management or grant management experience may be considered.
• Direct experience working with specialized populations experiencing barriers to employment (e.g., homelessness, low‑income, justice‑engaged, long‑term unemployment, mature workers, DV survivors).

• Understanding of caseload management and documentation, including assessing and meeting client job and career needs, staying organized in follow‑up, documentation, and reporting job placements.
• Excellent customer service and client rapport‑building skills demonstrated by maintaining a professional demeanor while efficiently performing required job duties.
• Communication skills, especially the ability to guide conversations and achieve employment goals effectively & efficiently.
• Facilitation and public speaking skills with the ability to deliver training workshops in a variety of settings on a 1‑1 basis or for a group.
• Critical thinking through a lens of empathy, compassion, equity, innovation & inclusion.
• Understanding of grant‑funded programs, eligibility criteria, databases & reporting parameters.
• Ability to work…