Youth Specialist

Job Summary:

The Youth Specialist is responsible for engaging and recruiting out of school youth (OSY) to participate in workforce-funded youth activities and projects. The Youth Specialist works closely with center management and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) staff to identify eligible youth for an OSY Academy pilot project.  The Youth Specialist oversees the delivery of career exploration, career assessments, career pathways planning, coaching, mentoring, professional and leadership development, financial literacy, internships, and work experience for eligible youth. Working with the WIOA staff, the Youth Specialist assists youth to obtain a high school diploma or GED, obtain marketable credentials and skills, and prepares them for secondary education, training, or employment.  The goals for youth served are completion of a high school diploma or GED, secondary education or credentials, and employment at or above the prevailing wage for their chosen occupation. 

Essential Functions:

• Engage with community partners to identify youth eligible for workforce services.
• Conduct outreach and recruitment of potential OSY Academy participants.
• Maintain communication and coordinate with WIOA staff to determine eligibility, and co-case manage youth enrolled in OSY Academy.
• Enroll and track activities for youth enrolled in OSY Academy, including tracking participant progress in Mobile Learning Platform and Essential WRKplace Skills training.
• Accurately and timely maintain case files and documentation on each youth.
• Work with WIOA staff and Job Developer to proactively and timely move youth into employment, post secondary education or training.
• Meet outcomes and performance expectations of the OSY Academy and WIOA program.
• Extensive travel to meet with program participants.
• Follow program policies and procedures.
• Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of participant records.

Other Functions:

• Travel to conduct outreach and attend meetings, training, and other activities throughout Cameron County.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university(preferred) with studies in education, social services, or other related fields or 60 hours of secondary education from an accredited college or university and 1 year of full-time experience in working with youth.  Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.  Must be able to data enter and extract information in an accurate and timely manner to meet deadlines.  Must have personal reliable transportation to use in the performance of duties.  Must maintain a professional appearance and attire.

Preferred:

• Experience with Microsoft office and Excel.
• Must be willing and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Certificates and Licenses Required:

A valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate both verbally and in written form to express and exchange ideas.
• While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee must be able to access all components of work station and other office equipment.
• Frequent typing, writing, bending and twisting.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment:

Includes both a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, and local travel, including exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather conditions, and occasional environmental hazards