MAGCOR Reentry Division is Hiring for Employment Readiness Specialist
The Employment Readiness Specialist plays a key role in bridging the gap between returning citizens and the job market. This position works directly with employers to understand hiring needs, align those needs with training and certification opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, and support clients in becoming job-ready. The Specialist also engages new employers across Mississippi, promotes fair-chance hiring, and develops incentive-based agreements to support employment pathways for adults in custody (AICs) and returning citizens.
Key Responsibilities:
Employer Engagement & Training Coordination:
• Build and maintain relationships with employers across Mississippi to identify indemand skills and job openings suitable for returning citizens.
• Collaborate with training providers, correctional programs, and workforce boards to design and coordinate job-specific training and certification pipelines.
• Align training plans with current industry needs and communicate those pathways clearly to clients and staff. • Develop employer incentive agreements, including wage subsidies, tax credit utilization, and other fair-chance hiring benefits.
• Promote and educate employers about the benefits of hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, reducing stigma and supporting inclusive hiring practices. Client Preparation & Support:
• Work directly with returning citizens to assess employment readiness, including reviewing resumes, interview preparation, digital literacy, and soft skills development.
• Coordinate job readiness workshops in both correctional facilities and the community.
• Support clients in understanding labor market expectations, licensing requirements, and local employment trends.
• Match clients with appropriate training and employment opportunities based on interests, skills, and readiness. Community & Partner Engagement:
• Represent MAGCOR at workforce development boards, employer roundtables, reentry coalitions, and community events.
• Serve as a liaison between corrections, employers, community organizations, and training institutions.
• Track and report employment outcomes, employer engagement metrics, and training completions. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Human Resources, Business, Social Work, or a related field preferred OR equivalent combination of education and 2– 5 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in workforce development, employer engagement, job placement, or reentry support services.
• Strong understanding of employment barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals and knowledge of best practices in fair-chance hiring.
• Ability to build trust with clients and employers alike.
• Familiarity with Mississippi’s labor market and workforce development systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and project coordination skills.
• Willingness to travel statewide and work flexible hours as needed.
Key Competencies:
• Employer relations and workforce strategy
• Client-focused coaching and support
• Cultural competence and empathy
• Public speaking and advocacy
• Program planning and implementation
• Accountability and data tracking
Salary and Benefits:
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health and retirement benefits
• Travel reimbursement
• Opportunities for professional development
To Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing or design samples to Martha Claire Bullen at marthaclaire@magcor.org. Applications will be considered as they are received and the position will remain posted until filled.