Workforce Development Specialist - San Jose

Workforce Development Specialist - San Jose

We are hiring a Workforce Development Specialist to provide advocacy, supportive services, job readiness coaching, and life skills development for young people (ages 17-24) in the San Jose Employment Program.

The Workforce Development Specialist implements a holistic, trauma‑informed approach to supporting youth in workforce readiness. This role focuses on guiding participants in practicing and applying essential soft skills for employment, completing internships, and successfully transitioning into long‑term, paid job opportunities.

Under the supervision of the San Jose Employment Program Director, the ideal candidate is a self‑motivated, accountable youth services provider who demonstrates effective relationship‑building skills, comfort working in an adaptive and innovative work environment, superior communication and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to advancing equity and economic mobility for youth through culturally responsive, trauma‑informed, and youth‑centered practices.

• Passionately advocates for young people to reach their employment and life goals.
• Delivers high‑impact training for youth with diverse learning styles and needs.
• Communicates effectively with youth, staff, alumni, and board members.
• Leads with initiative and a continuous‑improvement mindset.
• Respects boundaries and demonstrates self‑care and peer‑support.
• Works well with external partners and aligns with New Door’s values.

• Instruction and facilitation (30%) – Conduct job readiness workshops, create interactive learning environments, collaborate with the curriculum team, identify guest speakers, analyze learning styles, and serve on internal task groups.
• Internship support (30%) – Advocate for participants during internships, maintain communication with worksite partners, empower interns to develop soft skills, and problem‑solve.
• Supportive services & post‑program goals (20%) – Provide individualized services, coordinate with external providers, support post‑program employment and education goals, connect participants to resources, and monitor program performance using Apricot.
• Outreach & recruitment intake assessments (20%) – Support intake processes, conduct community outreach, complete special projects, and attend community events.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in vocational training for transition‑age youth or similar settings.
• Demonstrated success as a Workforce Specialist or similar role.
• Superior youth engagement, relationship management, and youth development skills.
• Strong written and oral communication; detail‑oriented, organized, time‑management, and problem‑solving.
• Independent, nimble, dependable, and initiative‑driven.
• Knowledge of San Jose youth needs and resources, especially for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and financially vulnerable populations.
• Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Office, Zoom; experience with Apricot or Salesforce a plus.
• Spanish language capability preferred but not required.

Salary range: $63,000–$65,920. Total rewards include medical, dental, vision, mental health, commuter benefits, FSA, matched 403(b) retirement plan, tuition support, annual PD budget, and 8+ weeks PTO in the first year.

Each staff member receives a 90‑day onboarding plan and an annual individualized development plan.

New Door Ventures is a safe space for all, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, country of origin, religion, or ability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. New Door Ventures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you would be a great addition to our team. Include "Workforce Development Specialist San Jose" in the subject line and email to staffing.

Submissions sent without a cover letter will not be considered.

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