Youth Employment Specialist

Goodwill of SWPA • Pittsburgh, PA

22d • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Employment Specialist plays a key role in supporting adjudicated and/or at-risk youth by providing career exploration services and job readiness training that aligns with the department and individual program objectives. This position delivers services both on site and in the community, helping participants to identify and work towards goals, develop skills, and access employment opportunities that in turn increase and aid in the likelihood of retention and successful program outcomes. The Employment Specialist works closely with youth participants to ensure their needs are met, a safe and supportive environment is maintained, and individual progress aligns with program goals. In addition to connecting participants with relevant services and resources, the Youth Employment Specialist facilitates JumpStart Success, a job readiness and career exploration training program designed to prepare youth enrolled in programming for long-term success in the workforce.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent AND 4 years of experience required.
• Associate degree AND 2 years of experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree AND No experience required.
• Must be Human Services, Education, Teaching, Social Work, Communications, or related field.
• Must be related to working with youth and/or young adults and low-income and at-risk youth, and/or experience with foster care and/or adjudicated youth.
• Candidates are expected to provide current valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to first day of employment.

Responsibilities

• Complete enrollment paperwork on new participants as well as providing job readiness assessment to address needs and or barriers.
• Support participants in securing resources and/or services necessary to obtain and maintain employment.
• Develop new partnerships by analyzing the local job market and synthesizing trend data to support the marketing of services to funders, employers, and/or other identified partners.
• Provide job specific training, support and supervision to youth by ensuring that individuals’ needs are met, goals are implemented, and a safe environment is maintained.
• Develop an employment plan of action and related goals; assists individuals in applying for and obtaining other services related to meeting stated goals.
• Correctly complete and submit all required and requested program documentation in a timely manner.
• Develop new community and employer partnerships by analyzing relationships with community employers and the public, including but not limited to conducting workshops and information sessions and acting as a liaison to Goodwill Departments, customers, employers and other community organizations.
• Deliver an employment play of action and related goals; assist individuals in applying for and obtaining other services related to meeting stated goals.

What This Job Offers

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