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A picture of Isles TCST staff, one of the employment opportunities at Isles.

About

Employment

Current employment opportunities

Founded in 1981, Isles is a nonprofit organization rooted in Trenton with statewide reach, that provides a wide range of interconnected and evolving services with a single mission: to create the environment necessary for people and communities to grow and thrive. We invite you to join us and leverage your interests and skills to help us meet the challenges of our mission.

Isles Internships

All interns are paid for their work contributions to our organization and will be engaged in hands-on, in-depth experiences that reflect the “real-work” of Isles in one of our varied service areas.

What to expect at an Isles internship
  • All interns are assigned a Host who is an Isles employee and will provide mentorship and oversee day-to-day tasks
  • Schedules are arranged in collaboration with an Isles Host, Johnson Center Staff, and the intern.
  • While much of our work is on-site, there are opportunities for hybrid engagement.
  • Interns participate in regular peer collaboration meetings facilitated by Johnson Center Staff.
  • Interns are invited to participate in lunch-and-learns and other Isles professional development activities, providing interns with a comprehensive understanding of the organization.
Apply for an Isles internship

If you are interested in interning in one of the Isles service areas, please click here to learn more about the internship program and to apply for a position.

Isles, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  • Safe Passage Outreach Worker

    Trenton Community Street Team

    Full-time, non-exempt

    High School Diploma

    Reporting to the Trenton Community Street Team (TCST) Deputy Operations Manager, the Safe Passage Outreach Worker is responsible for providing regular support of schools, students, and staff in ensuring safe arrival and dismissal at schools in Trenton. The overall goal of Safe Passage is to develop relationships with youth and parents, and intervene and mediate potential conflict. Safe Passage workers are one branch of the street-level connection between the support and services that TCST provides and community members. Safe Passage Outreach Workers create relationships of trust with students, teachers, and school staff, and connects students and families to services and resources in the community. They are responsible for maintaining good networking relationships with community members, and for representing TCST, Isles, and the City of Trenton in a respectful and professional manner.

    Essential duties

    Service delivery

    • Attend and satisfactorily complete all required training.
    • Arrive in uniform at assigned location/school
    • Communicate with the Supervisory staff upon arrival and departure at assigned location
    • Participate in regular outreach meetings to build strong relationships with the youth, residents, local businesses, and community groups
    • Dispatch Outreach Workers and High-Risk Interventionist (HRI) staff to intervene in circumstances in which violence and/or retaliation may be likely
    • Report to the HRI Supervisor and keep them informed of all relevant community activities, in addition to documenting these events or incidents.
    • Attend staff meetings, Public Safety Round Table, and TCST designated events, as assigned
    • Other duties as assigned

    Program support and development

    • Network with community members and community-based organizations to create good-standing relationships that create and ensure opportunities to connect families to these community resources
    • Connect participants and families with opportunities and programs in the community (e.g., jobs, GED, drug treatment, counseling, housing).
    • Provide a consistent, stable, mentoring presence in communities around schools and through post incident engagement and support
    • Implementation of community-based violence reduction efforts in multiple neighborhoods
    • Documentation and reporting of incidents and client engagement
    Qualifications
    • Lived experience successfully navigating high-risk communities and situations
    • Demonstrated ability to follow through on delegated tasks and take initiative when appropriate.
    • History of working with varied and conflicting audiences
    • Familiarity with violence reduction strategies
    • Cultural competency and cultural humility
    • Solid communication skills
    • Spanish language proficiency preferred
    Apply to this position

    This position is full-time, non-exempt, and reports to the TCST Deputy Operations Manager.

    Applicants should send position inquiry to [email protected]. Your application materials should demonstrate why you’re a good fit for this particular position and what specific skills, experience, talents, and interest you’ll bring to this role.

    Isles, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  • Outreach Hybrid Worker

    Trenton Community Street Team

    Full-time, non-exempt

    High School Diploma

    The Trenton Community Street Team (TCST) Outreach Hybrid Worker is a dual-role position that integrates the responsibilities of a traditional Outreach Worker and Safe Passage Outreach Worker. The role is designed to provide trauma-informed, community-based support, mentorship, and violence interruption services, while also ensuring the safe arrival and dismissal of students at designated school zones.

    This position demands an individual who can develop strong relationships with justice impacted youth and community members, respond to critical incidents, mediate conflict, provide safe passage, and maintain an active presence in both neighborhood and school environments. The Hybrid Worker serves as a trusted bridge between TCST, local youth, families, schools, and service providers.

    Essential duties

    Outreach: Community outreach and violence intervention

    • Serve as a credible messenger and build trusting relationships with high-risk youth and families.
    • Provide conflict resolution and mediation to de-escalate potentially violent situations.
    • Actively patrol neighborhoods and hotspots to interrupt potential acts of violence or retaliation.
    • Engage in daily street outreach, including evenings and weekends.
    • Connect youth and families with wraparound resources (e.g., mental health, education, workforce).
    • Provide post-incident support to victims and families impacted by violence.
    • Attend and contribute to TCST meetings, Public Safety Roundtables, and community forums.
    • Document client interactions, community observations, and violence interruption efforts.
    • Participate in ongoing professional development and training in trauma, mediation, and CVI strategies.

    Safe Passage: School safety and community navigation

    • Arrive in uniform at designated school locations during arrival and dismissal times.
    • Ensure the safety of students commuting to and from school by providing visible and active support.
    • Communicate consistently with school staff, parents, and law enforcement as needed.
    • Identify and report areas of concern (e.g., loitering, bullying, unsafe crossings).
    • Participate in school- and neighborhood-based events to build trust and foster positive engagement.
    • Serve as a presence in school zones to deter negative behavior and encourage peaceful conduct.
    • Help connect students and families with academic, social-emotional, and behavioral health resources.
    Qualifications
    • Demonstrated lived experience navigating high-risk communities and situations.
    • Prior work with at-risk youth or vulnerable populations preferred.
    • Experience or training in conflict resolution, mediation, or trauma-informed care.
    • Strong cultural humility and emotional intelligence.
    • Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Ability to work non-traditional hours (nights/weekends/early mornings).
    • Bilingual (Spanish) a plus, but not required.
    • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
    Core competencies
    • Credible Messenger & Community Trust Building
    • Trauma-Informed & Restorative Approach
    • Crisis De-Escalation and Conflict Mediation
    • Community Engagement & Resource Navigation
    • Team Collaboration & Documentation
    Apply to this position

    This position is full-time, non-exempt, and reports to the TCST Safe Passage & Community Care Department Supervisor.

    Applicants should send position inquiry to [email protected]. Your application materials should demonstrate why you’re a good fit for this particular position and what specific skills, experience, talents, and interest you’ll bring to this role.

    Isles, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  • SNAP STEPS Employment Coach

    Financial Opportunity Center

    Full-time

    $50,000- $55,000

    Familiarity with SNAP
    eligibility and application

    Isles seeks an experienced and community-focused individual with demonstrated experience assisting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients to join our Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) team in the role of SNAP STEPS Employment Coach. The ideal candidate will be familiar with SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs, eligibility criteria, and the application process—including helping participants navigate benefits access, understand program requirements, and connect to employment, training, and education opportunities. Experience partnering with county or state SNAP agencies, workforce boards, or community-based organizations is highly desirable.

    The successful candidate will be part of a team designed to build the wealth and economic power of low- and moderate-income individuals. The Employment Coach will support participants in securing and maintaining employment by providing job readiness and placement services to FOC participants. The candidate will be part of the Isles FOC team, working together to develop a holistic economic improvement plan for participants and connect them with financial counseling, income support assistance, and housing counseling services as appropriate.

    Position details

    The primary responsibilities of the SNAP STEPS Employment Coach will be to provide one-on-one employment coaching services, including assessing participants’ job readiness, implementing interventions to improve job-readiness and related skills (e.g., resume preparation, mock interviews, essential skills coaching), and assisting participants in identifying, securing, and maintaining employment opportunities. The Employment Coach will maintain relationships with participants over time to support their success and for reporting purposes. Maintaining accurate records of coaching services and interactions is essential.

    Coaches will establish and maintain relationships with employers and job training providers as well as partner nonprofit and government agencies to assist participants in achieving their goals. Experience assisting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients is required, including familiarity with SNAP eligibility requirements and the application process. The Employment Coach should understand the SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program and be able to connect participants to employment, training, and supportive services that align with their benefits and career goals.

    Employment Coaches will also provide group-based services, including creating and delivering engaging workshops and orientation sessions. In addition, Coaches will promote FOC services and other Isles services at community events, schools, job fairs, and other forums.
    Position is contingent on grant funding.

    Who will be successful

    Successful candidates want to work in a unique think, learn, and do community-focused setting. They bring a commitment to supporting and empowering individuals and families in increasing their financial capabilities and wealth. They are highly organized, effective communicators with diverse and varied audiences from differing experiences and backgrounds, and skilled in identifying opportunities, partnerships, and strategies to increase the impact of FOC and Isles’ services offerings, while ensuring that community members’ interests remain the priority of projects and programs. They are able to adeptly lead in varied settings, working effectively with colleagues, members of the public and private sectors, and community-based stakeholders.

    Qualifications
    • Familiarity with SNAP eligibility and application processes, including SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs.
    • Experience creating and implementing successful employment strategies for un- and underemployed individuals, particularly with young adults, returning citizens, the long-term unemployed, and low-wage/unskilled workers.
    • Demonstrated experience creatingandconducting workshopson job readiness,employment strategies, and/or related topics in the social service sector.
    • An ability to designinnovative approaches to achieving broad workplace goals.
    • Willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, including shifting program requirements with flexibility and enthusiasm.
    • Ability to work both independently and in coordination with colleagues (both inside our organization and with partner agencies).
    • A commitment to supporting and empowering individuals and families from historically under resourced communities and increasing their financial capabilities and wealth.
    • Experience and cultural competency working with individuals and families from varied experiences and backgrounds.
    • Strong written and oral communication skills.
    • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
    • High level of competency with computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and data management.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
    • Proficiency in utilizing virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, WebEx, Teams, etc.)
    • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in a related field. 5+ years of experience in the field may be substituted.
    • Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
    Apply to this position

    This position is full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week, and 52 weeks per year. Starting salary range is $50,000- $55,000, based on experience. Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA benefits, 401K with company match and a generous PTO policy.

    Applicants should send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Your application materials should demonstrate why you’re a good fit for this particular position and what specific skills, experience, talents, and interest you’ll bring to this role.

    Isles, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  • Donor Cultivation Manager

    Resource Development

    Full-time hybrid

    $64,000- $78,000

    5+ years fundraising
    for non-profit

    Isles, Inc., one of the most notable nonprofit organizations in Mercer County, has an immediate opening for a seasoned fundraising professional, based out of our Hamilton, NJ office. Founded in 1981, Isles is a nonprofit organization rooted in Trenton with statewide reach, that provides a wide range of interconnected and evolving services with a single aim: to create the environment necessary for people and communities to grow and thrive.

    The Donor Cultivation Manager’s primary role will be to work with our Resource Development team to achieve our fundraising objectives and annual financial goal. Reporting to the Director of Resource Development and the Chief Executive Officer, the Donor Cultivation Manager will be responsible for identifying and cultivating relationships with prospective donors, following a strategic moves-management process. This includes stewarding a current donor portfolio to foster continued support; working towards elevating giving levels, such as major gifts, planned giving options, and special campaigns; and developing long-lasting relationships.

    The preferred candidate has experience working on a small, dedicated development team with proven success in securing gifts. Responsibilities also include prospect research; attending donor meetings and networking events; preparing donor presentation materials; co-coordinating and managing “friendraising” events; participating as part of the team to develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; working with the team to assist in determining the direction of our major gift and legacy gift programs; and contributing to and/or lead team projects as needed.

    Qualifications
    • 5+ years fundraising for a nonprofit organization, while cultivating and maintaining a strong portfolio of donors
    • A proven history of strategic asks and soliciting gifts with successful outcomes, including contributions of $1,000 or more
    • Strong strategic development skills to create and implement comprehensive strategies for donor engagement, retention, and upgrades across various giving levels (major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns)
    • Ability to build rapport with donors and create and nurture solid ongoing relationships
    • Experience executing successful events
    • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
    • Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
    • Appreciate connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds
    • Ability to juggle several projects at once, and pivot direction with ease to adapt to changing circumstances
    • Capable of problem-solving quickly when unexpected issues arise
    • Exceptional attention to detail
    • Happy and able to wear many hats on a small team, at times performing mundane tasks
    • Willingness to work beyond traditional hours during exceptionally busy times of the year
    • Working knowledge of Salesforce for Nonprofits and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
    • Passion for the Isles mission!
    Apply to this position

    This position is full-time hybrid with a starting salary range of $64,000 to $78,000, and a comprehensive benefits plan. Preference given to candidates who have experience working in the Greater Mercer County area.

    Applicants should send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Your application materials should demonstrate why you’re a good fit for this particular position and what specific skills, experience, talents, and interest you’ll bring to this role.

    Isles, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  • Academic Instructor

    Isles Youth Institute

    Full-time

    $60,000- $75,000

    Bachelor’s Degree

    We seek a highly motivated, experienced, and creative individual with a proven track record of successfully teaching high school age youth in an urban setting to join our team at the Isles Youth Institute. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to join a dynamic and highly accomplished team at one of the most innovative and successful alternative schools in the region. The Academic Instructor is responsible for teaching secondary school curricula to youth with varying levels of ability with the goal of passing the high school equivalency exam, learning a trade, and becoming employed.

    Proven success in:
    • Being a dynamic teacher who excels at motivating young people to learn and meet their potential.
    • Developing and implementing academic plans and individual interventions, based on pre and post assessments, classwork and observations.
    • Observing and assessing student performance and behavior to promote individual success and a healthy learning environment; preparing progress notes in support of student development.
    • Delivering effective group and individual instruction to urban youth.
    • Working collaboratively with professional staff to develop individual education plans to support the educational and social development of students.
    • Planning and conducting activities that provide a balanced program of instruction, demonstration and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question and investigate.
    • Preparing objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and state requirements.
    • Implementing data driven instructional models.
    • Meeting with parents to discuss and improve student progress and to resolve behavioral and academic issues.
    • Demonstrating behaviors in concert with Isles’ mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
    • Wearing many different hats to meet changing conditions and changing needs of students, parents, funders, leadership and colleagues.
    Qualifications
    • Bachelor’s degree.
    • Possession of a valid standard NJ Substitute Teacher Certificate preferred.
    • Two or more years experience teaching at the high school level preferred.
    • Experience working with urban youth, youth in the juvenile justice system, and/or students with learning disabilities preferred.
    • Ability to maintain state central registry (SCR) and fingerprint clearance throughout the duration of employment.
    • Ability to work independently and collegially in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
    • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
    • Commitment to racial equity.
    • Cultural competency and cultural humility.
    • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
    • Comfort using technology including a desktop computer, student database, and large volume of email messages.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
    • Spanish language proficiency preferred.
    Apply to this position

    This position is full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week, and 52 weeks per year. Starting salary range is $60,000- $75,000, based on experience.

    Applicants should send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Your application materials should demonstrate why you’re a good fit for this particular position and what specific skills, experience, talents, and interest you’ll bring to this role.

    Isles, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.