Youth Development Specialist

Opportunity Builders, Inc. (OBI) is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to support the expansion of our youth services – specifically a summer program called SWAG (Summer of Work & Growth) and a project called TerpsEXCEED, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, College Park. TerpsEXCEED is an inclusive post-secondary education program that provides students with intellectual disabilities and autism the opportunity to participate in a college experience for two years, culminating in a certificate. OBI’s Youth Development Specialist is responsible for arranging internships that align with each student’s coursework and career goals, and for supporting the students to ensure their success throughout the internship experiences. This position may also be assigned to develop similar work-based learning experiences (WBLEs) for youth with disabilities who are referred to OBI through the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). This position will have access to office space in the University of Maryland College Park Career Center and will spend time working remotely and/or at the OBI office as well.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

•  Establish rapport and an in-depth understanding of each individual’s unique interests, abilities, and potential barriers to success through record reviews, interviews, observation, and ongoing interactions.
•  Work collaboratively with the TerpsEXCEED Career Counselor to obtain feedback regarding student assessments and career evaluations that have been completed, and to brainstorm ideas around appropriate internship placements.
•  Network and build working relationships with department heads at University of Maryland, College Park, to educate them about TerpsEXCEED and OBI’s role in supporting the students through internships/work experiences.
•  Assist each TerpsEXCEED student in obtaining internship(s) in the area of their career interest; internships are expected to be on-campus and/or within the broader community, as appropriate.
•  Provide on and off-site training and support to students throughout the duration of their internships, facilitating their success to the best of your ability.
•  Teach the weekly TerpsEXCEED internship class, in conjunction with University of Maryland staff, to educate students about work appropriate behaviors, skills, and facilitating discussions around internship progress and challenges.
•  When assigned referrals through the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Pre-Employment Transition Services program, develop Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs)/internships for school-aged youth with disabilities.
•  Develop WBLEs based on each young person’s expressed preferences, skills, strengths, and career interests; recruit local businesses to offer WBLE opportunities to participating youth.
•  Network and build working relationships with local businesses to educate them about OBI and the value that workers with disabilities bring to a workplace.
•  Assist businesses in meeting their goals related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by helping them understand that hiring employees with disabilities increases the diversity within their workplace.
•  Assist individuals (students and others assigned to caseload) in identifying and accessing the most cost-effective and independent mode of transportation to get to and from work-based learning experiences and/or paid employment opportunities.
•  Complete all required documentation, of satisfactory quality, within the stated timeframes (i.e. internship agreements, evaluations, monthly reports, etc.)
•  On occasion, transport youth to internship and/or interview opportunities, using your personal vehicle.
•  Coordinate and implement the 6-week SWAG summer program at OBI, working closely with the Director to recruit and screen all applicants.
•  Keep all relevant team members informed of student/youth progress, communicating any unexpected challenges and seeking guidance as needed.
•  Implement the SWAG curriculum for the summer program, including but not limited adjusting curriculum to include new topics as needed, ordering supplies, and distributing weekly stipend payments to students.
•  Develop the transportation schedule, based on student needs and locations, and provide transportation to students using an OBI vehicle and/or your personal vehicle.
•  Provide reporting on participant demographics, attendance, and other program feedback as requested.

•  Participate in OBI’s Workforce Development department team meetings (virtually or in-person)
•  Participate in OBI’s monthly staff meetings (virtually)
•  Adhere daily to OBI’s core values:

                 o Creativity

                 o Diversity & Inclusion

                 o Compassion & Respect

Qualifications

•  Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth with disabilities, preference for experience in pre-employment or transition services.
•  Experience providing assessment, training, job development/placement and workplace supports to adults with disabilities may be substituted for direct experience with youth.
•  High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
•  Valid Driver’s license, no more than 1 point on driving record and 3 years driving experience.
•  Access to a reliable vehicle.
•  Ability to transport students in your personal vehicle and/or an OBI-owned vehicle, as needed.
•  Ability to work with high levels of autonomy while adhering to specified guidelines.
•  Ability to effectively communicate with youth with disabilities and their family members, businesses, DORS counselors, program partners, supervisor(s) and other OBI staff and individuals supported.

Opportunity Builders, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Salary : $23 - $26