Career Readiness Specialist

                                                                          Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist
                                                                DEPARTMENT: Education and Parent Support Services
                                                                           LOCATION: Brooklyn/Queens/Long Island

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
As part of SCO’s Forward Journey Initiative, the Specialist works with youth on a one-on-one basis to
develop individualized career development based on youth interests and strengths. The Specialist will
support youth in foster care connect to meaningful careers and prepare them for economic self-sufficiency.
This will include providing youth internships within SCO that will give them hands-on job experience as
well as support and guidance from trained mentors as they continue their education and develop career
goals. Support includes connecting youth to programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals.
Specialists provide ongoing social and emotional support including connecting youth to peer support
groups to foster positive relationships. Specialist will work with youth under Forward Journey Initiative
coordinating, assisting and locating employment for youth.

REPORTS TO: Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist
SUPERVISES: N/A

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of SCO’s Forward Journey Initiative, the Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist will support
youth who will be matched one-to-one with trained SCO Mentors to facilitate successful internship
experiences. The Mentors will provide valuable insights based on their career experience, educational
backgrounds, and challenges they have faced on a professional and personal level.
Key program components include:

• Community-based- Staff meet youth wherever is best for them (e.g., home, school, community).
• Systemic approach- incorporates multiple aspects of the youth’s natural ecology (community, peers,
family, school).
• Comprehensive- addressing the full range of a youth’s needs and goals (academic, career, housing,
relationships).

Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Conduct formal individualized career assessments and facilitate career readiness workshops.
• Gain the knowledge and skills needed to transition successfully into the world of work (e.g., howe to get
jobs, succeed in the workplace, and understand the workplace policies).
• Help youth succeed in these settings, navigate any challenges that arise, celebrate success, and
plan/prepare for the next step on their journey (e.g., how to request workplace accommodations, and
how to manage conflict in the workplace).
• Assist all youth to select at least one career development experience each year that is in line with their
interests and academic situation/background.
• Collaborate with Case Planners, Tutors, Specialists, Foster Parent, and Parents, as needed, to help youth
achieve their goals and ensure their overall well-being.
• Provide persistence coaching to young people enrolled in external program by checking in with them
regularly.
• Build relationships with youth and provide ongoing social and emotional support.
• Connect youth to Peer Group supports and build positive relationships.
• Transport youth to/from employment when necessary
• Assist youth with obtaining working papers, if needed
• Complete PYA Tasks including PAT Tool as needed
• Complete Youth Voice Questionnaire for youth (14-up) as needed
• Facilitate My Journey Groups for youth
• Facilitate PYA Monthly Workshops
• Attend and complete all Fair Futures trainings. Input child information into all required data platforms
and systems.
• Other tasks as assigned by Supervisor

Housing & Independent Living:
• Coordinate with housing specialist to ensure youth submit housing applications (by age 18 when
appropriate)
• Accompany the youth to interviews and visit housing options, when needed
• Assist youth with obtaining furniture, support through the move in process, and provide continued support
with housing stability.

II. QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Degree: Bachelor’s Degree; Extensive Experience working with Youth

Other skills and requirements:

• Experience in Education and Foster Care (preferred)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, a strong sense of empathy towards our
populations served, and a passion for the field of child welfare.
• Ability to respond to the unique developmental needs of children in different stages of maturation
including early childhood, school age, or young adulthood.
• Ability to work with parents and children that have histories of chemical dependency, mental illness,
neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, different cultural backgrounds, and varying
socioeconomics statuses.
• Ability to work competently, compassionately, and without judgment with individuals who may
identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or who may be in different stages of discovering or
disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Strong time management skills, diligence, resilience, and experience working in a unit or team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with CONNECTIONS preferred.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License required and/or timeframe of when one will be obtained.
• Commitment to the mission and programs of SCO Family of Services.
• Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.