Vocational Specialist

MercyFirst•Syosset, NY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Long Island Residential Programs, the Vocational Specialist will provide direct supervision to youth as they obtain both on and off campus employment. The RISE program was designed to meet the complex needs of youth who have become involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, but for whom treatment, within a therapeutic environment, is the recommended approach to growth and change for both the youth and family/primary caretaker. Since its inception in 2018, the Raise the Age program at MercyFirst has helped a high percentage of youth and families served by the program achieve positive outcomes. The overall goal of the RISE - RTA Program is to successfully engage youth and family in trauma-focused, strengths-based, culturally competent, and family-centered treatment. Individualized service plans promote accelerated family reunification and safe re-entry of youth to their community. The program is designed to promote safety, stability, and prosocial growth, reduce delinquent behaviors, improve family functioning, and create supportive linkages and connections to community resources upon discharge from the program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree With +2 years of experience OR Master Degree

Responsibilities

Completes assessment of experiences and interests with youth upon placement in program.
Assesses for job readiness.
Identify career goals and individualize each plan for youth.
Directly supervise and support youth in all on-campus work experiences.
Host pre-employment training workshops for youth.
Evaluates youth’s job performances.
Assist and support youth in job searches in their local community while preparing for discharge/ aftercare.
Monthly phone check-in’s with youth during aftercare to monitor youth’s employment experiences.
Conduct workshops pertaining to job applications, resume writing, employment etiquette, problem solving, communication, etc.
Formulate positive relationships with businesses to potentially place youth for employment.
Host Career Day/ fairs.
Utilize Career Zone with youth.
Create job shadowing opportunities for youth.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for residents
Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents and staff