Job Developer & Retention Coordinator (Bilingual)

Job Developer and Retention Coordinator (Bilingual; Springfield/Holyoke)

Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the regions people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) Job Developer and Retention Coordinator . The Coordinator supports our mission by ensuring long-term job stability and career growth for program participants by combining career-focused case management with proactive employer engagement. This role develops, secures, and maintains employment opportunities for clients while providing individualized retention support, curriculum facilitation, and post-placement services. The Coordinator collaborates with program staff, community partners, and employers to build strong pipelines for employment; address barriers to retention; and delivers measurable outcomes in job placement and career advancement.

Benefits include: 20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Employee appreciation events (ice cream! staff picnic! more!)

Wage starts between $24.25 and $27.25 depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI/MVR.

The candidate may work in a hybrid-remote capacity but must live within commutable distance of our Springfield and Holyoke offices for regular onsite work and meetings. The ability to travel during the workday to meet with employers is required.

Responsibilities include:
Initiate, meet, and maintain professional relationships with employers, industry representatives, and job placement agencies to develop and promote employment and on-the-job training opportunities for participants, coordinating efforts with workforce development partners; maintain updated records of employer relationships and job placements
Conduct outreach (including cold calls) to employers to explain program benefits and address employer needs
Research labor market trends and job leads through multiple sources; match job skills with applicant qualifications to make referrals; develop and implement new retention strategies and career initiatives to enhance client outcomes
Organize and attend hiring events, job fairs, and employer panels to connect participants to opportunities; facilitate ongoing job placement and retention-focused workshops; measure outcomes through attendance, placement, and retention data
Proactively gather feedback from both employers and employees during placements and provide recommendations for improvement as needed
Collaborate with Employment Specialists to identify potential clients
Contact clients and employers as appropriate and assigned to ensure job stability; conduct post-placement and post-exit follow-ups
Conduct quarterly assessments of clients skills, needs, and barriers, identifying next steps for success
Collect paystubs and other documentation to support accurate billing and reporting; ensure timely, complete, and accurate client records
Provide technical guidance and training to staff on assessment of participants readiness for employment
Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal staff and departments, employers, community groups, funding sources, and service providers
Proactively identify and inform program management of any issues that may adversely affect participants, employers, the department, or organization
Stay current with workforce development trends, labor market demands, and best practices

Requirements include:
3 years progressively responsible experience in workforce development, employment services, or a related role; a combination of experience plus an Associate degree may be a substitute
1 year as a specialist in a workforce development discipline
Preference for experience engaging employers and support long-term job retention
Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills required
Adept communicator with strong interpersonal skills; ability to build trust with others
Adept with Office365 and databases; comfortable learning new technologies
Strong organizational skills including with data management and reporting
Ability to problem-solve in a manner that effectively addresses barriers to job stability
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and program requirements
Ability to regularly travel throughout Western Massachusetts, and to work evenings or weekends as needed
Valid drivers license with acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle
CORI

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.