Career Advocate

PORTLAND YOUTHBUILDERS

Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) operates construction and technology focused job-training programs with the mission to support low-income young adults, ages 18-26, who are committed to changing their lives to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the workforce and their community. The Bridge to Construction Program is an intensive construction-only, nine-week program, that helps young people develop the skills needed for success in the construction trades through training aligned with workforce standards, life- and job-readiness instruction, and long-term placement and retention support. The Bridge to Construction Program was developed in consultation with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, apprenticeship programs, and industry practitioners. Participants are trained to demonstrate proficiencies in the areas of safety, tool use, demolition, framing, concrete, and finish work. Under the supervision of Bridge trainers, participants are involved in all phases of the construction projects, from dig-out to final clean. PYB's Bridge to Construction Program operates two concurrent cohorts located at PYB's main campus in Southeast Portland, and at our Washington County site in Central Beaverton.

PYB is deeply committed to continuously working to make our organization a more equitable and just place for both students and staff. As it is written in our equity statement: At PYB, we believe that communities are strengthened when diversity is honored. We believe we have a responsibility to interrupt and confront inequity. At PYB, we commit to continuously reflect and challenge the ways in which we, as a community, and as individuals, perpetuate inequity. It is not only vital to our students’ success but essential to our purpose.

The ideal employee will be committed to our mission and equity statement, and will be inspired by working with young people from diverse backgrounds as they transform their lives through learning and service.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Career Advocate is a member of the Construction Department working to promote students’ career readiness. The Career Advocate will provide comprehensive career coaching to students to help them make informed career choices, develop an individualized career plan including post-secondary goals, and provide long-term support through their success in career-aligned employment focused in the construction trades. Career coaching is provided to students in one-on-one meetings and in group settings-both in person and remotely, using phone, email, Zoom, social media and other communication tools. The Career Advocate will assist in developing curriculum for Career Exploration classes. They will identify student barriers to long-term success and secure resources to address needs. The Career Advocate will work closely with PYB’s Construction staff to support students as they develop the knowledge, skills and habits necessary for success in post-secondary education, training, and careers.

Reports to: Bridge to Construction Career Services Manager

Employment Status: Regular, Exempt 

Schedule: 40 hours/week – 8:00am – 5:00pm

Compensation: $59,000 - $64,000/year starting salary DOE 

Benefits: Seven weeks paid vacation per year during PYB closures -4 weeks Summer Break, 2 weeks Winter Break, and 1 week Spring Break; most state recognized holidays paid; 12 days per year Personal Time Off; $700/month added to salary for Section 125 cafeteria plan to cover employee’s health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, and/or retirement savings; dollar-for-dollar employer match for retirement contributions up to 3% of salary with immediate vesting; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; dynamic environment with great team of students and staff.

Application Closes: Open until filled

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

• Develop and maintain relationships with partners (construction apprenticeships, employers, and community partners) in service of student placement support and success
• Assist current and alumni students with placement in employment and/or post-secondary apprenticeship/education/training through:
• Career Exploration 
• Creation of resume, cover letter and other career related forms
• Practice filling out applications (short and long form, paper and online)
• Employment search
• Portfolio creation with students
• Other individualized and group placement approaches 
• Provide ongoing, long-term post-placement support to alumni
• Enter placement information into student database as required
• Support students with employment training opportunities such as work experiences, job shadows and job fairs
• Connect students to potential employers/mentors through informational interviews, job shadows, work experiences, etc. 
• Provide comprehensive orientation to construction apprenticeships, colleges, employers, internships, including tours and orientations and support through the application processes
• Participate in cross-departmental Case Management teams with a focus on career readiness and a student’s transition from PYB into postsecondary education, training, and/or employment
• Design individualized career plans and individualized schedules for students
• Assist students with short and long-term planning for their future
• Maintain student records and fulfill all responsibilities as a Case Management team member
• Write case notes and keep Case Management team members informed about important student conversations, goals, and achievements

General 

• Support with organizational outreach efforts
• Attend staff meetings and department meetings and all-staff professional development opportunities

QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent Experience in Education, Social Work, Career Exploration or related field 
• Experience working with low-income and minority populations
• Minimum of 2 years in career coaching/development/exploration
• Construction industry knowledge
• Experience helping students set goals and work toward their completion
• Experience helping students assess needs, set goals, and progress
• Strong computer skills (database entry, spreadsheets, email correspondence, Zoom, etc.)
• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to pass fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check and drug screening 
• Relationship with construction employer partners a plus

Specific job skills:

• Ability to inspire and motivate young people
• Detail oriented 
• Ability to create and optimize systems 
• Culturally competent practice; willing to engage in conversations about identities
• Ability to develop one-on-one relationships with students from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize, plan and organize
• Effective problem prevention and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter and independent thinker
• Commitment to professional growth
• Capacity to collaborate with colleagues in order to facilitate student success
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to improvise and work through uncertainties

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Our selection process entails:

1.      Application

·      Cover letter

·      Resume

2.      Interview - You will be asked to meet with our hiring team, and you are encouraged to ask us any questions about the position and PYB at this time.

To apply: email resume and cover letter to jobs@pybpdx.org. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive until the position is filled. Please send your cover letter and resume as attachments (Word or PDF). No phone calls or visits please. For more information, visit our website at www.pybpdx.org.

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Portland YouthBuilders’ mission connects us to people and communities across Portland. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, disability, veteran status, or any other classifications applicable by law. Portland YouthBuilders is committed to the diversity of our people, programs and services. The organization acts affirmatively in the employment and advancement of qualified people of color. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY1-800-735-2900.

PYB employees and full-time volunteers must successfully complete a criminal background and drug test check prior to employment. Portland YouthBuilders is a Drug Free Workplace and adheres to the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act.  Portland YouthBuilders’ students and staff are subject to random drug tests.

·      This program is funded 25% through a federal award of $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor – ETA for the YouthBuild Program Initiative.

·      This program financed in part with funds provided through Worksystems, Inc. from the U.S. Department of Labor, the City of Portland, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

·      PYB is an AmeriCorps program and students who are AmeriCorps members are eligible for an education award.