Workforce Development Specialist

YES Workforce Development Specialist

The YES Workforce Development Specialist is a part-time position reporting to the Director of YES Workforce Development. This role supports the ongoing growth and effectiveness of the Youth Employment Services (YES) Workforce Development Program by coordinating employer partnerships, delivering engaging workforce readiness curriculum, and facilitating workshops that help teens and young adults build the skills and confidence needed for future success.

Working closely with school personnel, community partners, and Club staff, the Specialist plays a key role in fostering a program culture rooted in mentorship, equity, and real-world impact—while serving as a dynamic facilitator and mentor for youth.

Key roles include:

Commitment to Safety

• Contribute to environment of safety through the learning of best practices, policies and procedures.
• Obtain and maintain Mandated Reporter training and complete annual Child Abuse Prevention training.
• Complete training and participate in all Emergency Preparedness protocols, including drills and communication practices

Program Support

• Coordinate and deliver daily YES Workforce Development programming at designated Club and school sites.
• Facilitate job readiness workshops, soft skills trainings, and career exploration sessions in ways that engage and inspire teens and young adults.
• Lead group activities that promote collaboration, confidence, and public speaking among youth participants.
• Support onboarding of program participants and assist with tracking individual goals aligned with career readiness milestones.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of program curriculum; contribute to content development and assist with rolling out new initiatives under the direction of the Director.
• Maintain accurate and timely data on youth participants, outcomes, and employer partners using organizational tracking tools.
• Participate in regular team meetings and strategic planning sessions.

Partnership Engagement

• Collaborate with school sites, community partners, and local businesses to ensure seamless delivery of services and employment placement opportunities for youth.
• Assist in the planning and execution of career fairs, practice interviews, and employer engagement events.
• Represent the Club positively at community meetings, workforce task forces, and school-based events as needed.

Additional Expectations

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends for events or partner engagements.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel between Club and school sites as needed.
• Participates in training, webinars, workshops and professional development as requested.
• Supports other departments (finance, resource development, and CEO) as needed through collaboration and other forms of communication or reporting as requested.
• This position may require the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, or reach as needed, and to lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 lbs. Employees must have the dexterity, coordination, vision, and hearing necessary to perform job tasks safely and accurately.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

1. Interpersonal Skills (Priority)

• Builds strong, positive relationships with teens, families, schools, and employer partners.
• Comfortable speaking in front of groups and leading workshops that engage and motivate teens and young adults.
• Able to manage group dynamics and encourage participation in a respectful, inclusive way.
• Understands and values working with people from diverse backgrounds.

2. Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Experience working in youth development, workforce programs, career counseling, or a related field.
• At least three years of general workforce experience.

3. Technical Skills

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and data-tracking tools.
• Clear written communication and reporting skills.
• Bilingual preferred but not required.

4. Additional Requirements

• CPR and First Aid certifications (or ability to obtain).
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Professional Mindset

• Effective Facilitator: Comfortable leading groups, encouraging…