Workforce Development Manager

Operation New Hope is a nonprofit operating in Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Johns County, the Space Coast, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. Our pre-release and post-release programs provide job training and placement, and comprehensive support services to people returning from incarceration and others who have been affected by the justice system with the goal of facilitating successful transitions back into the community. We motivate our clients to become productive, responsible citizens, and our programs help prevent recidivism, reduce the repeated costs of incarceration, and improve public safety. Our dedicated team supports the career opportunities, mental health, and overall stability of our clients to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

Position Overview: This critical position is responsible for overseeing three key aspects of the Ready4Work program: Career Development (life skills training, workforce skills training), Vocational Training, and Employment Services.

Reports to: Regional Director, Tampa Bay

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Career Development

a. Responsible for providing oversight and direction to the instructional team and the delivery of soft skills, supportive life training and workforce development instruction.

b. Responsible for ensuring all clients have a career path at the beginning of their enrollment in the program.

c. Responsible for establishing instructional design standards and regular curriculum review.

Vocational Training

a. Engages with local colleges and training providers to create opportunities for Ready4Work Clients to participate in vocational instruction and apprenticeship programs.

b. Coordinates with providers to schedule vocational course offerings.

c. Responsible for evaluating vocational offerings annually and making recommendations related to the value to clients and target industry alignment.

Employment Services

a. Responsible for working with Business and Community Outreach Coordinator to recruit and maintain existing employment partners. Will maintain an active list of partner employers who are committed to providing viable employment opportunities to Ready4Work Clients, regularly visiting employers and cultivating relationships into long term partnerships.

b. Responsible for providing direction for employment services team (Job Coaches). Duties include the management of employment skills assessments, job preparation and interviewing employer and placement follow-up, oversight of problem solving between employer and clients.

c. Responsible for ensuring clients are properly prepared to meet the present and future requirements and demands of the employment market considering their backgrounds.

Leadership

a. Acts as an effective leader for a team of 6-10 FTE’s includes coaching, management of the processes, and development of the employees.

b. Responsible for reviewing, preparing, and monitoring regular reports that includes: the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of data input and review.

c. All other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience / Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required (Workforce Development or related fields). Master’s degree in related field preferred. In lieu of degree, 6+ years of relevant experience.
At least 3 years’ experience leading and directing a team of staff members. It is critical for this position to have a high level of effective communication with staff and clients.
At least 3 years of workforce development and staffing experience with a proven record of job placements and developing employer outreach strategies.
Experience working with formerly incarcerated and/or an underserved population, a plus.
Must be flexible and adaptable to consider all points of view and work toward decisions that reflect the greater good of the organization.

Bilingual preferred; able to read, write, and speak English and Spanish proficiently.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create a ‘high performing’ team culture.
Proficiency in using computers, running reports, and learning new software.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and electronic client records.

Must be able to work Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, and extended hours as needed.
Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and reliable transportation.
Must be able to clear a Level I Background check through the Department of Corrections.
Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs.

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Tampa, Florida

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site