Substitute Career Coach

Description

Since 1982, over 160,000 youth have been helped with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) programs. Y.O.U. helps teens and young adults, ages 14-24 living in economically distressed communities succeed by providing educational and workforce opportunities, skills development, and access to career pathways. We offer school-based and community-based programs designed to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio employers, with a focus on those industry sectors that provide the most opportunities for career success.

At Y.O.U., we are dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement of the quality of our services to youth, employers, and the community.

Job Purpose

The Employer Partnerships Specialist & Substitute Career Specialist Instructor works to ensure that in-school students and graduates are introduced to employment opportunities, gain a greater understanding of in-demand industries, and develop the skills needed to successfully transition into employment and adult life. The position is responsible for cultivating relationships with new and existing employers to develop meaningful internship and employment opportunities for participants and supporting graduates in securing and retaining employment during the 12 months of follow-up after their senior year of high school.

The position also provides coverage for Career Specialist Instructors when they are unavailable at their assigned schools. During classroom coverage, the Specialist delivers the curriculum-based JOG program, including teaching classes, monitoring and mentoring students, and supporting students in meeting their academic and career goals. The position works collaboratively with Career Specialist Instructors, employers, schools, and other partners to help ensure students possess the attitudes, abilities, and skills expected by employers and are prepared for future academic and career success.

Essential Functions

• Provide coaching and mentoring for in-school and follow-up students that prepare participants to independently engage in job search, interviewing, employment, and employment retention.
• Recruit and secure employment and internship opportunities for participants seeking employment.
• Identify and recruit prospective employer partners through regular outreach, networking, canvassing, community engagement, and other employer development strategies.
• Maintain ongoing communication with employer partners to strengthen relationships, identify additional employment opportunities, address concerns, and encourage continued partnership with Y.O.U.
• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing employers interested in providing internship and unsubsidized employment opportunities for teens and young adults.
• Serve as a liaison between employers, in-school students, and follow-up students to schedule interviews and other pre-employment activities.
• Conduct regular employer outreach and canvassing to secure employment opportunities and recruit new employer partners.
• Visit employer worksites to support participants, monitor placements, address employer or participant concerns, and ensure employer satisfaction.
• Build an understanding of employer workforce needs, hiring practices, and expectations for entry-level employees and communicate this information to Career Specialist Instructors and other program staff.
• Collaborate with Career Specialist Instructors and other Y.O.U. staff to identify students who are ready for employment and connect them with appropriate opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of participant and employer interactions, meetings, events, employment opportunities, and other required information in applicable databases. Provide reports as requested.
• Provide coverage for Career Specialist Instructors when they are unavailable to be in the classroom at their assigned schools.
• Effectively deliver the JOG curriculum by utilizing instructional program guidelines and other materials in planning and delivering lessons.
• Utilize a variety of instructional methodologies, including lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, and creative experiences.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students throughout the year and provide mentoring, coaching, and support as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with school administration, the school community, and parents.
• Ensure JOG graduates are adhering to their career and/or educational plans and assist with the transition from high school to adult life during the 12 months of follow-up after…