Youth Employment Specialist

Job Summary:

The role of a Youth Employment Specialist is to help young adults find competitive employment and build their strengths in different areas related to the workforce. The role requires the recruitment of participants and helping them find competitive employment that matches their strengths and interests, while also keeping detailed records of all job-related activities completed. To do this, it is necessary to build relationships with state agencies, schools, parents, students, and employers.

Core Work Activities:

The Youth Employment Specialist's primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• To meet assigned Bridges outcome
• Fostering and maintaining youth relationships in order to establish their commitment to utilizing our services as a resource. Providing assessments as well as individualized training and guidance to assist youth towards their career goals. Identifying and addressing barriers to employment. Providing follow-up services to facilitate their growth as they gain more experience/skills.
• To accurately maintain records to document program
• Manage and represent the “Bridges” brand. Maintain relationships and communication with school districts, school personnel, employers, parents/guardians, counselors, state agencies, and colleagues.
• Regularly attend meetings with various stakeholders.
• Facilitate transportation for participants.
• Maintain participant files and records as required in a timely, complete, and accurate
• General administrative responsibilities.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Assigned Outcome Goals:

• Enroll sufficient youth to achieve placement and retention outcomes:
• Sixteen (16) Placements;
• Twelve (12) 90-Day Retentions; and
• Ten (10) 180-Day
• Outcome requirements subject to change based on the organization’s needs.

In order to consistently achieve results, Youth Employment Specialists must effectively:

• Recruit and enroll an appropriate caseload of program
• Assess skills, interests, and experience of each young adult.
• Identify challenges relative to employment objectives and create specific, practical strategies to address them.
• Develop an active pool of employers that can offer jobs consistent with employment objectives of
• Assess critical success factors for specific jobs, and develop job matches that benefit both the young person and the employer.
• Re-place youth as needed to achieve retention outcomes and/or to assist youth with vocational growth.
• Provide appropriate support to all involved (youth and employers) to assure employment success and vocational growth. Support includes but is not limited to:
• Assistance with initial training and orientation to the workplace including some job
• Guidance regarding modification of training materials and approaches to fit the individual’s learning style.
• Assistance with public transportation or other peripheral issues that may impact employment
• Appraisal and assistance with employer job
• Facilitation of regular formal appraisals of on-the-job
• Assistance in identifying and accessing necessary off-the-job supports or development opportunities (training, assistive equipment, etc.).

 Education and Experience:

• Four-year college degree or equivalent in qualifying work
• Formal training and/or experience in the following areas:
• School-to-work transition (work with students with disabilities desirable).
• Case management
• Job development or employment support
• Sales, marketing, and networking

 Required Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively, specifically:
• Ability to relate effectively with a wide range of
• Ability to build, facilitate, and participate in collaboration between diverse
• Ability to effectively interpret and address needs of diverse
• Ability to work well under
• Ability to effectively work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequent changes, perform multiple tasks, and prioritize
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of technology including Microsoft suite applications, database management systems, and other internet-based platforms.
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive
• Must be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC where allowed by local mandate.
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to safely transport participants to and from interviews, meetings, and appointments(etc.) in a timely manner.
• Will need to pass MVR and insurance requirements.
• Bilingual is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to navigate inside of schools, business locations, and the local community.
• Ability to operate a vehicle or proficiency in using public transportation for commuting to various locations.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.