Navigating employment opportunities at a large institution like the University of Pittsburgh can be overwhelming, but Celiwe Jones is here to help. As Pitt’s workforce development career counselor, Celiwe offers career counseling, application assistance, and workshops to connect residents of the Hill District, Homewood, and Greater Hazelwood with employment opportunities at Pitt.
For Celiwe, it’s about more than “just the job,” it’s about “creating a pathway for career opportunities.” Serving as a liaison between residents and the University, she is working to eliminate obstacles residents face when considering employment at Pitt. Through direct support based on individual and community needs, she guides applicants through every aspect of the job search process, from discovering their interests to submitting applications to preparing for an interview. Her holistic approach to workforce development doesn’t just place people in jobs, it seeks opportunities for longevity and growth.
In her day-to-day experience with community members, Celiwe finds that “people have a little bit more comfort after a consultation. They feel better that there is someone there to support them and communicate with the people that they, in most cases, will never have contact with unless they happen to make it through the 100-something applicants to be selected.” In her role, Celiwe hopes not just to be able to have a certain percentage of Hill District, Homewood, and Greater Hazelwood residents employed at Pitt but “for them to have pathways to fruitful careers.”
While her services are offered both virtually and in person, she emphasizes the importance of having a physical presence in the communities she serves: “Residents have somewhere physical where they can come to get help and gain access to resources and community for jobs.” This presence matters and can help her assess people’s needs on an individual level and offer targeted and directed support.
Since starting in these neighborhoods, Celiwe has helped place more than 100 community members in Pitt jobs. Much of this success comes from recognizing that each person comes in with a different set of strengths, so while one individual may need help with designing a resume, another could benefit from mock interviewing. Celiwe explains that “we don’t want anyone to feel like they’re being left out,” and the networks of support she provides fill the many cracks that can be easy to fall through.
Interested in exploring a career at Pitt?
Connect with Celiwe Jones in the Hill District, Homewood, or Greater Hazelwood! Celiwe offers both walk-in hours and appointments. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Celiwe Jones by calling 412-290-2285 or by emailing CRJ44@pitt.edu.
Hill District
- Days and Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Appointment only: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Walk-ins: 2 to 4 p.m.
- Location: Community Engagement Center in the Hill District, 1908 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Homewood
- Days and Times: Mondays and Wednesdays
- Appointment only: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Walk-ins: 2 to 4 p.m.
- Location: Community Engagement Center in Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Greater Hazelwood
- Dates:
- April 17
- April 29
- May 1
- May 15
- June 12
- June 26
- Drop-in hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Hazelwood, 5006 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
