Youth Outreach Specialist

International Rescue Committee•Oakland, CA

5d•$26 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Outreach Specialist leads community-based outreach, recruitment, and eligibility intake for the International Rescue Committee’s Out-of-School Youth (OSY) program in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The role identifies and engages out-of-school youth ages 16–24 who meet one or more OSY barrier criteria, including school dropout, basic skills deficiency, involvement with the justice system, foster care involvement or aging out of foster care, homelessness or running away, pregnancy or parenting, disability, or a need for additional assistance to complete education or secure employment. The specialist works with schools, juvenile justice and foster care agencies, community-based organizations, and employers to develop eligible referrals and determine and document WIOA eligibility. The position combines office-based work with fieldwork and regular local travel, mainly in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with occasional travel to other counties. Some evening and weekend work may be required. The role reports to the Workforce Development Supervisor and is represented by the OPEIU union, subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The position has an end date of June 30, 2029.

Requirements

At least 1–2 years of experience in outreach, recruitment, case management, or youth-serving work.
Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, human services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of Out-of-School Youth eligibility criteria, or ability to learn program regulations and local workforce board policy quickly.
Ability to build trust and rapport with youth facing barriers, their families and caregivers, and external partners.
Strong attention to detail for eligibility documentation, case file compliance, and data entry into state and program case management systems.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; comfort with public speaking and representing IRC at community events.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Fluency in English.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally for outreach, recruitment, and home visits.
Ability to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate youth and family schedules and external events.

Nice To Haves

Experience with federally and state-funded youth programs.
Direct experience with WIOA, other workforce development programs, or out-of-school/disconnected youth.
Experience with a state workforce case management system such as CalJOBS.
Proficiency in one or more languages spoken by the local client population, such as Spanish or Dari.

Responsibilities

Conduct ongoing community-based outreach and recruitment to identify eligible out-of-school youth in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including in neighborhoods, alternative schools, GED/HSE programs, shelters, foster care and juvenile justice systems, and other relevant settings.
Build and maintain referral relationships with school districts, alternative education providers, foster care and juvenile justice systems, homeless service providers, and community-based organizations.
Determine OSY eligibility, collect and verify required documentation, and complete eligibility files in accordance with state and local workforce board policy.
Enter and maintain accurate, timely participant data in the required state case management system and IRC program databases, including eligibility, required services, and referral partner information.
Develop and distribute outreach and recruitment materials in accessible, culturally and linguistically appropriate formats for the local youth population.
Conduct phone outreach and in-person meetings with youth and families to explain program services, eligibility requirements, and enrollment processes.
Track outreach activity, referral sources, and enrollment against recruitment targets and performance goals, and report progress to the Program Supervisor.
Represent IRC at community events, resource fairs, school functions, and partner meetings to promote the OSY program and maintain IRC’s visibility as a youth service provider.
Support compliance with state and workforce board regulations, child labor laws, and local workforce development board policies and monitoring requirements.
Participate in program team, funder, and partner meetings, as well as required WIOA and grant trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned to support program outreach, eligibility, and enrollment goals.

Benefits

10 paid sick leave days
10 U.S. holidays
20–25 paid time off days, depending on role and tenure
Medical insurance starting at $163 per month
Dental insurance starting at $6.50 per month
Vision insurance starting at $5 per month
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter expenses
403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match and immediate vesting
Non-elective employer retirement contribution based on age and years of service, with three-year vesting
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families