Job Developer at Pathways to Independence in Kearny, NJ

About Company:

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization providing pre-vocational and vocational training opportunities to adults with disabilities. PTI was founded in 1978, as a sheltered workshop, by a group of concerned community members who recognized the need in the West Hudson, South Bergen areas for vocational training and employment for persons with disabilities. Since then, the agency has continued to expand its spectrum of services to include assisting people with various disabilities in pertinent employment settings.

Our commitment is to provide the best quality services possible to consumers we serve. Through the training programs PTI offers, it is our intent that each individual will develop the skills necessary to create his or her own future, filled with promise of dreams realized.

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is approved for service by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and New Jersey Transit. Among our many programs, the following have received state certification and national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Division of Developmental Disabilities:

• Community Services: Community Integration
• Employment Services: Trial Work Experience.
• Employment Services: Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
• Employment Services: Employee Development Services
• Employment Services: Organizational Employment Services
• Community Employment Services: Pre-Placement. Placement
• Community Employment Services: Job Development (Intensive Services).

About the Role:

The Job Developer plays a critical role in connecting job seekers with suitable employment opportunities, fostering relationships with employers, and supporting workforce development initiatives. This position focuses on understanding the needs of both employers and candidates to facilitate successful job placements that benefit all parties involved. The Job Developer will work closely with community organizations, training providers, and employers to identify job openings and prepare candidates for employment. By providing guidance, resources, and ongoing support, the Job Developer helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve sustainable career growth. Ultimately, this role contributes to strengthening the local workforce and enhancing economic development within the community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED is mandatory
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse populations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain detailed records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic database management.
• Must be 21 years of age and ability to drive agency vans

Preferred Qualifications:

• AA Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychology, Special Education or related field.
• Experience in workforce development, job placement, or career counseling.
• Experience working with underserved or disadvantaged populations.
• Knowledge of local labor market trends and employer networks.
• Certification in career development or workforce development (e.g., National Career Development Association).
• Bilingual abilities, especially in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in the community.
• Electric pallet jack, heat sealer, scale, shrink wrap machine, fork lift and other general production equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage with local employers to understand their hiring needs and promote available job opportunities.
• Develop and maintain job procurement and act as a liaison with companies providing sub-contracts for Workshop services.
• Coordinate the set-up, production flow and quality control of all jobs
• Arranges Pick-Up and Delivery of work materials, including checking the Bill of Lading. This may also include the assignment of trucking.
• Assess job seekers’ skills, interests, and employment goals to match them with appropriate job openings.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, training providers, and workforce agencies to support job placement efforts.
• Provide job seekers with career counseling, resume assistance, interview preparation, and job readiness training.
• Track and report on job placement outcomes and maintain accurate records of employer and candidate interactions.

Skills:

The Job Developer utilizes strong communication and interpersonal skills daily to build trust and rapport with both employers and job seekers, ensuring clear understanding of needs and expectations. Analytical skills are applied to assess candidates’ qualifications and match them effectively with job opportunities, while organizational skills support managing multiple employer relationships and candidate cases simultaneously. Proficiency in technology, including job search platforms and data management systems, enables efficient tracking of placements and reporting outcomes. Problem-solving skills are essential when addressing barriers to employment and devising strategies to support candidate success. Additionally, cultural competency and empathy are critical in working with diverse populations to provide tailored support and foster inclusive employment opportunities.