Ready To Work Employment Specialist

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is a life-changing force for opportunity and empowerment, enabling young people to reach their full potential as productive citizens and leaders, inspired to make a difference in the Greater Boston community. For more than 130 years, no other youth-serving organization in Boston and Chelsea has engaged more young people and families. Learn more at bgcb.org and join us in transforming our members, our communities, our city. Summary of Position: Based in one of the Clubs, the Ready to Work (RTW) University Employment Specialist recruits and prepares students for employment throughout the year and identifies work-ready students to make appropriate referrals. In coordination with RTW team, RTW Employment Specialist supports members through selection processes and at worksites to make sure that they are meeting employer expectations and engaging in productive work-based learning experiences. The RTW Employment Specialist must be able to work effectively with members, employers, Club personnel and RTW Leadership.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of relevant experience; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of youth development, workforce development, program facilitation and experience cultivating relationships with youth support network (e.g. families, school, etc.).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills, with ability to interact with a variety of audiences, including staff, board members, volunteers, and key individuals at partner organizations.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Represent BGCB and Ready to Work in a consistent and professional manner to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, Zoom, and ability to query complex database systems, such as to collect and organize data for research/reporting purposes.
• Willingness and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for Operations and/or agency events.
• Valid driver’s license required and ability to commute throughout the Metro-Boston area as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs to assist in transport of donated goods.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, prepares, and matches students with jobs and internships, both during the summer and after school, and with career awareness activities such as but not limited to job shadows and site visits.
• In conjunction with the RTW team, coordinates guest speakers, career fairs and other career themed activities that are deemed a good fit for our members.
• Provides one-on-one attention to all members in RTW University.
• Ensures that members understand the opportunities that are being presented to them as well as how to complete applications and submit all relevant deliverables in a timely manner.
• Deliver the weekly RTW curriculum in person.
• Delivers workshops on topics such as interview skills, resume writing and workplace etiquette.
• Leads career awareness and exploration activities such as career panels, advisory boards, and field trips in cooperation with club staff and RTW leadership.
• Supports members at their worksites and their workplace supervisors in the use of the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan as a skill development tool.
• Collaborates with the RTW leadership team to facilitate the variety of employer-based programs and activities in partnership with the BGCB.
• Inputs data on student activities and placements into a centralized database.
• Maintains current data on active student caseload.
• Regularly checks progress against work readiness milestones and placement goals.
• Participates in all RTW initiatives especially those linked to career pathway development, and collaboration with college advising organizations.
• Meets with the RTW team weekly to discuss progress on goals.
• Provides the RTW Leadership and Executive Director with a monthly summary of RTW activities in the Clubs.
• Works closely with the RTW Academy Employment Specialist to make sure that students can make a smooth transition from RTW Academy to RTW University.
• All BGCB Employees will interact with youth at points in their employment. It is essential that all employees engage with our members in a positive, supportive and respectful manner.
• Teaching youth/teens the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle is a BGCB priority. As a result, all staff is expected to model healthy behavior while working with our members.
• BGCB values creating child-friendly environments, where youth/teens of all abilities can be successful and participate. BGCB expects employees to embrace its focus on inclusion of all members, regardless of disability or developmental challenge.
• Building the capacity of staff is central to BGCB. The organization encourages and requires that all staff participates in annual professional development opportunities that continue to cultivate their skills in the youth development field.
• Every staff member shares the responsibility for ensuring BGCB is, and remains, an environment free of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

Benefits

• Pay Range Depending on Relevant Experience & Internal Equity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level