Education & Employment Specialist

This position will focus on working with clients through education & employment-based simulators! These simulators include Flight, Dozer/Heavy machinery, and CDL semi-truck driving.

Through direct support and building pathways to employment through education and enriching training/technology our young people are provided with broad workforce exposure.

If you have a passion for working with young people and helping them explore through technology and real-world applicable simulators then this is the position for you!

Position Summary

All Covenant House Alaska program staff work as advocates and allies for youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking.

The Education & Employment Specialist will provide a comprehensive range of support services to assist students in planning their careers, achieving academic success, and maximizing their overall experiential learning. This includes career advising, internship coordination, academic goal setting, retention support, interagency referrals, and supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) navigation. Additionally, the Education & Employment Specialist will provide wrap around case management and connecting youth to resources and support to help overcome challenges and be successful in working toward their goals. The Education & Employment Specialist will provide and ensure high-quality trauma-informed service delivery in case work and all aspects of youth care.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the Covenant House mission, philosophy, history, tradition(s) and the underlying values upon which the Agency is founded to the staff, students and the community we serve.
• Provide career planning services, including career assessments and development of career plans with defined goals.
• Assist students with enrollment, admissions, and registration functions.
• Develop, update, and implement career development activities that expose students to various career pathways.
• Offer mock interview support and training to build resumes, complete employment applications, and job search.
• Connect students with appropriate internship, apprenticeship, or employment opportunities.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to help students achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
• Monitor student progress through check-ins, scheduled meetings, and proactive communication.
• Intervene and provide support for students facing academic problems or other issues, developing next steps as needed.
• Arrange accommodation to meet students' needs and ensure successful course and program completion.
• Build and nurture partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support youth workforce development.
• Foster positive relationships within the Anchorage community to create opportunities for students to connect with employment experiences.
• Ensure compliance with documentation requirements, manage databases, and accurately report participant outcomes.
• Track onsite youth, documenting attendance, progress, and services provided.
• Ensure youth meet the requirements of funding programs through which they are compensated.
• Provide support to Anchorage School District (ASD) through activity support; classroom, career exploration, field trips, and guest speakers.
• Compile periodic reports highlighting program successes and challenges.
• Act as an advocate for students, supporting their interactions with staff, partners, and other students.
• Provide supervision of the building and surrounding areas, ensuring safety and reporting maintenance concerns.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, development activities, and attend conferences as requested.
• Maintain database management and assist in implementing data protocols.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of data entry by residence staff for grant reporting.
• Maintain dialogue with the Data Manager to improve data design, quality, and processes.
• Analyze data to track outcomes to inform program design and decisions.
• Maintain a positive and professional working relationship with the general public, including placement agencies and families of the students.
• Demonstrate an enthusiastic commitment to the job and the students served.
• Maintain a high level of ethical standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

Associate degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field. Experience can substitute for post-secondary education on a year-for-year basis.

Minimum Experience

Experience working with adolescent or disadvantaged populations preferred; experience in youth workforce and internship experience preferred.

Experience working in student services and/or in a community agency that provides services to young adults from diverse backgrounds. Experience in education with student conduct, emergency response, and crisis management preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Understanding of and compliance with all Agency policies and procedures, including Child Protection Policies.
• Approachable, relatable, and able to build rapport with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of community social service resources for housing, employment, education, and social-emotional well-being.
• Crisis intervention skills and the ability to address conflicts between students exhibiting challenging behaviors.
• Maintain confidentiality while understanding and complying with requirements of mandated reporting, duty to warn, Title IX, ADA, HIPAA, FERPA and other limits to confidentiality.
• Sensitivity to and respect for diversity and cultural issues.
• Willingness to engage with partner human trafficking service agencies and law enforcement.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in youth service provision.
• Proficiency with standard computer operating systems and ability to navigate Microsoft Office Suite and online databases.
• Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours, including holidays and weekends as needed.
• Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass federal, state, and local background checks.
• Strong organizational abilities and leadership skills.
• Possess a current and valid Driver’s License.
• Acceptable driving record assessed through CHA’s Drivers Acceptability Matrix
• Pass federal, state, and local background check investigations.

Working Conditions

• Position works in Youth Engagement Center and within the Covey Academy residential and educational building.
• Noise level is mild to moderate, consistent with office and residential environments.
• Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Must have the ability to observe details within close range.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move within the office to access files and office equipment.
• Consistently operates a computer and related office machinery.
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairways to monitor the space within a two-story building with and possibly without the assistance of an elevator.
• Regularly moves items up to 40 pounds while ascending/descending stairways to assist residents moving in and out of the building.

Covenant House is an Equal Opportunity Employer