Works Wonders® Program Manager

Reports To: Director of Career Pathways

Job Type: Full-Time 

Summary: The Works Wonders® Program Manager provides assistance and coordination to support the overall success of Foster Forward's workforce development program by overseeing participant recruitment and engagement, employer partnerships, and youth leadership development. He/She/ They works collaboratively with staff and community partners to ensure participants receive the support needed to achieve their education and employment goals. Working closely with the Program Director, the Program Manager assists with the evaluation and improvement of daily operations and implementation, and advances program evaluation and continuous quality improvement to ensure high-quality, participant-centered services. The Program Manager also provides individualized career coaching to a limited caseload of participants as needed. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Develops and implements outreach and recruitment strategies to build a strong pipeline of eligible participants for Works Wonders®, through community partnerships, marketing, social media, and youth engagement initiatives. 

• Screens and assesses referred participants for program eligibility, service needs, and program fit. 

• Coordinates participant enrollment, training schedules, and program logistics in collaboration with the Director of Career Pathways, Foster Forward staff, and Youth Leaders. 

• Prepares for and supports the delivery of the E²: Employment & Empowerment Training curriculum by mastering content, coordinating materials and technology, and facilitating participant engagement. 

• Monitors participant attendance, engagement, and progress; implements retention strategies and connects participants with incentives, resources, and wraparound supports to promote successful program completion. 

• Assists with the recruitment, training, supervision, scheduling, and support of Works Wonders® Youth Leaders, fostering their leadership development and ensuring effective participation in program delivery and outreach activities. 

• Assists with timely and accurate documentation, data entry, reporting, and performance tracking in accordance with organizational, funding, and compliance requirements. 

• Collaborates with internal staff and community partners to ensure participants have access to employment opportunities, education and training resources, and the full array of Foster Forward 360° support services. 

• As assigned, provides individualized career coaching and case management to a limited caseload of participants, including developing Career & Education Plans, coordinating services, maintaining employer and partner relationships, and documenting participant progress toward education and employment goals. 

• Participate in program evaluation, continuous quality improvement initiatives, and other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Works Wonders® program. 

Qualifications: 

• A bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Workforce Development, Counseling, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

• At least three years of experience supporting youth or young adults through workforce development, career coaching, case management, education, or related services.

• Experience engaging and supporting young people facing barriers to education or employment, with experience serving youth impacted by foster care strongly preferred.

• Strong relationship-building and facilitation skills, with experience leading trainings, workshops, or youth programs and collaborating with employers and community partners.

• A trauma-informed, youth-centered approach and the ability to maintain accurate documentation, track outcomes, and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout Rhode Island.

• Successful completion of BCI and fingerprint background checks.

To Apply:

Email resume and cover letter to bernadette.tavares@fosterforward.net by Monday, August 17, 2026.