Youth Employment Specialist
Bridges From School To Work, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Summary
The role of a Youth Employment Specialist I is to help young adults find competitive employment and build their strengths in different areas related to the workforce. The role requires the recruitment of participants and helping them find competitive employment that matches their strengths and interests, while also keeping detailed records of all job-related activities completed. Building relationships with state agencies, schools, parents, students and employers is essential.
Core Work Activities
Meet assigned "Bridges" outcome goals.
Foster and maintain youth relationships to ensure they use our services as a resource, providing assessments, individualized training and guidance to assist youth toward career goals.
Identify and address barriers to employment and provide follow-up services to support progression.
Accurately maintain records documenting program activities.
Represent the "Bridges" brand and maintain relationships and communication with school districts, school personnel, employers, parents/guardians, counselors, state agencies and colleagues.
Attend meetings with various stakeholders.
Facilitate transportation for participants.
Maintain participant files and records as required, timely, complete and accurate.
Perform general administrative responsibilities.
Other tasks as assigned.
Provide appropriate support to all involved (youth and employers) to ensure employment success and vocational growth, including but not limited to:
Assistance with initial training and orientation to the workplace, including some job coaching.
Guidance regarding modification of training materials and approaches to fit individual's learning style.
Assistance with public transportation or other peripheral issues that may impact employment success.
Appraisal and assistance with employer job accommodations.
Facilitation of regular formal appraisals of on-job performance.
Assistance in identifying and accessing necessary off-job supports or development opportunities (training, assistive equipment, etc.).
Assigned Outcome Goals
Enroll sufficient youth to achieve placement and retention outcomes:
Sixteen (16) placements.
Twelve (12) 90-day retentions.
Ten (10) 180-day retentions.
Outcome requirements subject to change based on organizational needs.
Education and Experience
Four-year college degree or equivalent in a qualifying field of work experience.
Formal training and/or experience in:
School-to-work transition (working with students with disabilities desirable).
Case management.
Job development or employment support.
Sales, marketing, and networking.
Required Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent time-management, organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively.
Ability to relate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to build, facilitate, and participate in collaboration between diverse groups.
Ability to interpret and address the needs of diverse constituents.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and adapt to frequent changes, performing multiple tasks and prioritizing accordingly.
Knowledge of technology including Microsoft Office suite, database management systems and other internet-based platforms.
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Must be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC where allowed by local mandate.
Valid driver’s license (where applicable).
Ability to safely transport participants to and from interviews, meetings and appointments in a timely manner.
If using own transportation, must pass MVR and insurance requirements.
Bilingual is a plus.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to navigate inside schools, business locations and the local community.
Ability to operate a vehicle or proficiency in using public transportation for commuting to various locations.
Ability to operate general office equipment.
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Core Work Activities
Meet assigned "Bridges" outcome goals.
Foster and maintain youth relationships to ensure they use our services as a resource, providing assessments, individualized training and guidance to assist youth toward career goals.
Identify and address barriers to employment and provide follow-up services to support progression.
Accurately maintain records documenting program activities.
Represent the "Bridges" brand and maintain relationships and communication with school districts, school personnel, employers, parents/guardians, counselors, state agencies and colleagues.
Attend meetings with various stakeholders.
Facilitate transportation for participants.
Maintain participant files and records as required, timely, complete and accurate.
Perform general administrative responsibilities.
Other tasks as assigned.
Provide appropriate support to all involved (youth and employers) to ensure employment success and vocational growth, including but not limited to:
Assistance with initial training and orientation to the workplace, including some job coaching.
Guidance regarding modification of training materials and approaches to fit individual's learning style.
Assistance with public transportation or other peripheral issues that may impact employment success.
Appraisal and assistance with employer job accommodations.
Facilitation of regular formal appraisals of on-job performance.
Assistance in identifying and accessing necessary off-job supports or development opportunities (training, assistive equipment, etc.).
Assigned Outcome Goals
Enroll sufficient youth to achieve placement and retention outcomes:
Sixteen (16) placements.
Twelve (12) 90-day retentions.
Ten (10) 180-day retentions.
Outcome requirements subject to change based on organizational needs.
Education and Experience
Four-year college degree or equivalent in a qualifying field of work experience.
Formal training and/or experience in:
School-to-work transition (working with students with disabilities desirable).
Case management.
Job development or employment support.
Sales, marketing, and networking.
Required Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent time-management, organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively.
Ability to relate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to build, facilitate, and participate in collaboration between diverse groups.
Ability to interpret and address the needs of diverse constituents.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and adapt to frequent changes, performing multiple tasks and prioritizing accordingly.
Knowledge of technology including Microsoft Office suite, database management systems and other internet-based platforms.
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Must be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC where allowed by local mandate.
Valid driver’s license (where applicable).
Ability to safely transport participants to and from interviews, meetings and appointments in a timely manner.
If using own transportation, must pass MVR and insurance requirements.
Bilingual is a plus.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to navigate inside schools, business locations and the local community.
Ability to operate a vehicle or proficiency in using public transportation for commuting to various locations.
Ability to operate general office equipment.
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