Youth Empowerment Specialist

Choice Of New Rochelle In•White Plains, NY

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Empowerment Specialist is responsible for connecting justice-involved individuals and young people (ages 18–24) to meaningful employment opportunities while also developing a network of mentors to support participants’ personal and professional growth. This role focuses on employer engagement, job placement, and mentor recruitment to improve job readiness, retention, and long-term success. The Youth Empowerment Specialist works closely with program staff to deliver individualized, trauma-informed, and strength-based support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, workforce development, criminal justice, or related field
3-5 years’ experience working with justice-involved individuals, opportunity youth, or underserved populations
Strong communication, relationship-building, and networking skills
Valid Driver License required and a driving record that will permit the use of an Agency vehicle to transport clients to appointments or other activities as needed.
Proven ability to empathize with the clients we serve.
Tenacity and passion for this work with the ability to balance objectivity with empathy.
Computer literacy required.

Nice To Haves

Experience recruiting or managing mentors or volunteers
Knowledge of local labor market trends and workforce systems
Familiarity with reentry services and barriers faced by justice-involved individuals
Experience with trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing
Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, businesses, and workforce partners
Identify job opportunities aligned with participants’ skills, interests, and career goals
Advocate with employers to create fair-chance hiring opportunities for justice-involved youth
Match participants to appropriate job openings and coordinate interviews
Recruit, screen, and onboard volunteer and professional mentors from the community and employer partners
Develop and maintain a diverse mentor network aligned with participants’ career interests
Match participants with appropriate mentors based on goals, background, and needs
Provide orientation, guidance, and ongoing support to mentors
Monitor mentor-mentee relationships to ensure positive engagement and outcomes
Organize mentor-related events, workshops, and networking opportunities
Assist with job applications and interview preparation
Provide coaching on workplace readiness, soft skills, and professional communication
Address barriers to employment by coordinating or providing transportation, reviewing criminal history records for accuracy, and assisting with applying for Certificate of Relief of Disabilities.
Support participants in job retention through ongoing follow-up and coaching
Encourage engagement with mentors to reinforce career development and personal growth
Collaborate with case managers, probation, courts and program staff to align employment and mentoring goals with service plans
Track participant progress, job placements, mentor matches, and retention outcomes
Maintain accurate records in case management systems
Prepare reports on employment outcomes, mentor engagement, and partnerships
Educate employers and community members on the benefits of hiring and mentoring justice-involved youth
Promote fair-chance hiring practices and reduce stigma
Represent the program at community meetings, in courts, workforce development events, and partner organizations
Special projects and other duties as assigned.