Youth Employment Specialist

The role of a Youth Employment Specialist I is to help young adults find competitive employment and build their strengths in different areas related to the workforce. The role requires the recruitment of participants and helping them find competitive employment that matches their strengths and interests, while also keeping detailed records of all job-related activities completed. To do this, it is necessary to build relationships with state agencies, schools, parents, students, and employers.

This position requires significant travel throughout the Chicago area, often with short notice. Candidates with reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage will be given preference.

• Meet assigned Bridges outcome goals.
• Foster and maintain youth relationships to establish commitment to services.
• Provide assessments and individualized training and guidance to assist youth towards career goals.
• Identify and address barriers to employment.
• Provide follow‑up services to facilitate growth as participants gain more experience and skills.
• Accurately maintain records to document program activities.
• Represent the “Bridges” brand and maintain relationships and communication with school districts, school personnel, employers, parents/guardians, counselors, state agencies, and colleagues.
• Regularly attend meetings with various stakeholders.
• Facilitate transportation for participants.
• Maintain participant files and records as required in a timely, complete, and accurate manner.
• Handle general administrative responsibilities.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

• Enroll sufficient youth to achieve placement and retention outcomes:
  Twelve (12) 90‑Day Retentions.
• Ten (10) 180‑Day Retentions.
• Outcome requirements subject to change based on the organization’s needs.

In order to consistently achieve results, Youth Employment Specialists I must effectively:

• Recruit and enroll an appropriate caseload of program participants.
• Assess skills, interests, and experience of each young adult.
• Identify challenges relative to employment objectives and create specific, practical strategies to address them.
• Develop an active pool of employers that can offer jobs consistent with employment objectives of participants.
• Assess critical success factors for specific jobs, and develop job matches that benefit both the young person and the employer.
• Re‑place youth as needed to achieve retention outcomes and/or to assist youth with vocational growth.

• Assistance with initial training and orientation to the workplace including some job coaching.
• Guidance regarding modification of training materials and approaches to fit the individual’s learning style.
• Assistance with public transportation or other peripheral issues that may impact employment success.
• Appraisal and assistance with employer job accommodations.
• Facilitation of regular formal appraisals of on‑the‑job performance.
• Assistance in identifying and accessing necessary off‑the‑job supports or development opportunities (training, assistive equipment, etc.).

• Four‑year college degree or equivalent in qualifying work experience.
• Formal training and/or experience in the following areas:
  • School‑to‑work transition (work with students with disabilities desirable).
  • Case management.
  • Job development or employment support.
  • Sales, marketing, and networking.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively.
• Ability to relate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to build, facilitate, and participate in collaboration between diverse groups.
• Ability to effectively interpret and address needs of diverse constituents.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to effectively work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequent changes, perform multiple tasks, and prioritize accordingly.
• Knowledge of technology including Microsoft suite applications, database management systems, and other internet‑based platforms.
• A…