Training Associate

Upstate New York Training Associate

Open to Applicants in Buffalo, Albany or Rochester 

Hybrid Position- 3 Days in Office Required

Anticipated deadline to submit application: February 7th 2025 by 2:00pm EST. Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration.

The Opportunity

Center for Employment Opportunities union pre-apprenticeship’s Upstate Union Pathways  (UUP)  will support the re-entry community with the training and mentoring needed to obtain and advance in union careers with industry partners. The Training Associate for UUP ensures the effective delivery of services that empower participants with upskilling and job placement in high-demand, union industries in the skilled trades. The Training Associate is responsible for ensuring that program implementation aligns with the organization’s mission, values, and workforce development strategy to foster an inclusive and thriving labor market. The role demands leadership, strong coordination, and the ability to foster partnerships between a diverse set of stakeholders to develop accessible pathways to union jobs while also meeting the needs of both the local workforce and industry partners.

The Training Associate will oversee the development and implementation of training, and individualized job readiness support. They will collaborate closely with employer partners and unions to customize training curricula and provide participants with ongoing coaching support for career advancement. The role also involves recruiting and managing participants, as well as coordination with program staff across departments that assist in the delivery of services.

Please note this is a two - year grant based position.

Who We Are

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.

What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.

Who You Are:

• You have 2+years of experience in workforce development or a related field, with strong skills in project management, training, and coordination of multi-stakeholder efforts
• You have experience with program evaluation and reporting, including familiarity with tools like Excel and SurveyMonkey
• You have familiarity with cloud-based platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Salesforce, and other job-seeking and remote learning tools
• You have the proven ability to lead and coordinate with staff and volunteers
• You have a proven track record for maintaining program compliance with governmental and grant-funder regulations
• You have lived or working experience working with re-entry and underrepresented communities is highly desirable
• You have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to intercultural communication, with a professional and approachable demeanor. 
• You are comfortable traveling between local sites on a moderate basis
• You have exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• You have strong analytical skills to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate program goals, successes, and challenges to a range of audiences, including community groups, stakeholders, and potential employer partners. Bilingual ability is a plus, though not required
• You have a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and the broader community

Major Responsibilities

Participant Training Program 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of UUP, ensuring smooth execution of all program phases, including curriculum development, outreach and recruitment, training delivery, job placement, employer coordination, and reporting.
• Serve as the supportive point of contact for program partners, employers, and other CEO staff assisting with delivery service.
• Lead efforts to refine and adapt curricula for career exploration, job readiness, and specialized industry training in coordination with industry partners.
• Guide participants through the program by coaching individuals and facilitating group workshops and other training that will ensure participants are able to obtain and upskill in union jobs. 
• Ensure all participants receive the necessary support to thrive in their training and subsequent employment.

External Partnerships

• Work with employers to integrate industry-specific competencies and employer expectations are integrated into the training. 
• Contribute to the program's expansion and sustainability by identifying opportunities for new employers and union partners, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, and other potential areas for growth. 
• Actively represent UUP at community events, job fairs, and employer meetings. 
• Promote the program to potential participants, employer partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand the program’s reach and impact.

Data Analysis Support

• Maintain detailed participant records and program data. 
• Support the evaluation process by tracking progress, administering pre/post-assessments, developing reports, and gathering feedback from participants and union leaders.
• Pull Salesforce data reports, perform data analysis, and share out trends and recommendations
• Monitor Salesforce dashboards to highlight areas for celebration and improvement

Compensation and Benefits  

The salary range for this position is $50,200-$57,250 annually. In an effort to be both equitable and transparent, CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, internal equity, and home office location in making a final determination on our salary offer.

We recognize that salary is a part of the overall compensation package and are happy to provide a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, professional development opportunities and training, including regular training opportunities in Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is one evidence-based skill that reentry and human service professionals can utilize when supporting participants to achieve their goals.

We also offer paid parental leave, participation in a retirement plan, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and more. We are a workplace that promotes continual learning and teamwork, offering lunch and learns, team outings, holiday gatherings and more for our staff.

More About Us

The Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our commitment to being an anti-racism organization that is inclusive across all identities and experiences drives us forward every day. We exist to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to personal and professional success, and we’re passionate about being agents of change who promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all.

People who are justice-involved, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. CEO’s commitment to DEI aligns with the CROWN Act, creating an open space where our employees can present as their true authentic selves. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Please note that due to the volume of resumes received, we are unable to contact each applicant regarding the status of each position or reply to candidates' inquiries via phone or email.

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