Substitute Career Coach

Youth Opportunities Unlimited • Cleveland, OH

14h • Onsite

About The Position

Since 1982, over 160,000 youth have been helped with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) programs. Y.O.U. helps teens and young adults, ages 14-24 living in economically distressed communities succeed by providing educational and workforce opportunities, skills development, and access to career pathways. We offer school-based and community-based programs designed to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio employers, with a focus on those industry sectors that provide the most opportunities for career success. At Y.O.U., we are dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement of the quality of our services to youth, employers, and the community.

Job Purpose
The Employer Partnerships Specialist & Substitute Career Specialist Instructor works to ensure that in-school students and graduates are introduced to employment opportunities, gain a greater understanding of in-demand industries, and develop the skills needed to successfully transition into employment and adult life. The position is responsible for cultivating relationships with new and existing employers to develop meaningful internship and employment opportunities for participants and supporting graduates in securing and retaining employment during the 12 months of follow-up after their senior year of high school. The position also provides coverage for Career Specialist Instructors when they are unavailable at their assigned schools. During classroom coverage, the Specialist delivers the curriculum-based JOG program, including teaching classes, monitoring and mentoring students, and supporting students in meeting their academic and career goals. The position works collaboratively with Career Specialist Instructors, employers, schools, and other partners to help ensure students possess the attitudes, abilities, and skills expected by employers and are prepared for future academic and career success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Social Services) from an accredited college or university required.
• 1–3 years of experience in sales prospecting, networking, and recruiting strategies.
• 1–3 years of experience working with at-risk youth and/or young adults as a coach, mentor, teacher, counselor, or other related position.
• Must have experience training, teaching, or leading small groups or teams.
• Must have valid transportation to/from Y.O.U. offices, partner organizations, and other community-based locations
• Must pass a background BCI/FBI check as a condition of employment.
• Belief and commitment to Y.O.U.’s mission, vision, and values.
• Familiarity with recruiting techniques and work opportunity development.
• Knowledge of teaching and instructional strategies for high school students.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with colleagues, participants, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and resolve problems, and seek guidance when appropriate.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, responsibilities, and organizational needs while maintaining effectiveness and professionalism.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information and exercise discretion in carrying out job responsibilities.
• Proficiency with standard workplace technology, including Microsoft Office applications, databases, and other systems relevant to the position.
• Ability and willingness to learn and effectively use new software, technology, and organizational systems as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide coaching and mentoring for in-school and follow-up students that prepare participants to independently engage in job search, interviewing, employment, and employment retention.
• Recruit and secure employment and internship opportunities for participants seeking employment.
• Identify and recruit prospective employer partners through regular outreach, networking, canvassing, community engagement, and other employer development strategies.
• Maintain ongoing communication with employer partners to strengthen relationships, identify additional employment opportunities, address concerns, and encourage continued partnership with Y.O.U.
• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing employers interested in providing internship and unsubsidized employment opportunities for teens and young adults.
• Serve as a liaison between employers, in-school students, and follow-up students to schedule interviews and other pre-employment activities.
• Conduct regular employer outreach and canvassing to secure employment opportunities and recruit new employer partners.
• Visit employer worksites to support participants, monitor placements, address employer or participant concerns, and ensure employer satisfaction.
• Build an understanding of employer workforce needs, hiring practices, and expectations for entry-level employees and communicate this information to Career Specialist Instructors and other program staff.
• Collaborate with Career Specialist Instructors and other Y.O.U. staff to identify students who are ready for employment and connect them with appropriate opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of participant and employer interactions, meetings, events, employment opportunities, and other required information in applicable databases.
• Provide reports as requested.
• Provide coverage for Career Specialist Instructors when they are unavailable to be in the classroom at their assigned schools.
• Effectively deliver the JOG curriculum by utilizing instructional program guidelines and other materials in planning and delivering lessons.
• Utilize a variety of instructional methodologies, including lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, and creative experiences.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students throughout the year and provide mentoring, coaching, and support as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with school administration, the school community, and parents.
• Ensure JOG graduates are adhering to their career and/or educational plans and assist with the transition from high school to adult life during the 12 months of follow-up after their senior year.
• Adhere to policies and procedures established by Y.O.U. and partner schools where programming is administered.
• Participate in school activities and professional development workshops and summits when necessary.
• Assist with JOG workshops, events, and activities, including Youth Career Olympics, Mock Interview and Resume Writing Workshops, Follow Up, and Credential Attainment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision benefits available with coverage beginning the first of the month following date of hire.
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer contributions
• Generous paid time off package including 19 paid holidays
• Professional Development Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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