Youth Career Navigator and Job Coach - Knect-Y

The Career Navigator and Job Coach for the KnectY Youth Program is responsible for providing comprehensive support and guidance to youth with disabilities, empowering them to achieve their employment goals, enter and maintain competitive integrated employment, and foster greater independence. This role involves serving as a primary point of contact, assessing individual skills, interests, and needs, providing career exploration and job readiness support, developing personalized employment strategies, connecting participants with employers and work-based learning opportunities, and providing ongoing coaching and support.

• Job Readiness and Employment Preparation:
  Deliver one-on-one coaching sessions, as needed, focused on resume writing, interview skills, workplace etiquette, self-advocacy, and other job-readiness skills to enhance participants' employability.
• Individualized Career Counseling and Employment Planning:
  Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify each youth's strengths, interests, skills, needs, and vocational goals, and develop personalized employment plans and strategies for obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment.
• Participant Point of Contact:
  Serve as the primary point of contact for youth participants; assist with eligibility screening and service enrollment; explain program activities and expectations; ensure participants receive early information regarding available workforce services and understand procedures and timelines for receiving those services.
• Advocacy and Outreach:
  Advocate for the rights and inclusion of youth with disabilities in the workforce and collaborate with employers, educators, vocational counselors, and other stakeholders to create inclusive environments, raise awareness, and expand employment opportunities.
• Community Resource Referral:
  Connect youth and their families with relevant community resources and support services, such as vocational rehabilitation services, independent living programs, transportation assistance, housing resources, health and wellness programs, financial counseling, and peer support networks.
• Job Development and Employer Engagement:
  Cultivate partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other employers to create inclusive job opportunities and secure employment and work-based learning placements for program participants.
• Job Placement and Work-Based Learning Assistance:
  As part of the Business Services Team, assist youth in identifying and obtaining suitable employment opportunities, including internships, apprenticeships, job training programs, and other work-based learning opportunities tailored to their interests and abilities.
• Accommodation Assistance:
  Identify, advocate for, and help implement reasonable accommodations and assistive technologies that support the success and retention of youth with disabilities in the workplace.
• Retention Strategies and Follow-Up Support:
  Implement retention strategies and provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and follow-up support after placement, including assistance with conflict resolution, stress management, workplace navigation, professional development, and career advancement.
• Data Management and Reporting:
  Document eligibility, case management activity, participant interactions, payments, progress, program outcomes, and compliance with directives; maintain accurate records and generate reports as needed for grant compliance and program evaluation purposes.

• Education and experience equivalent to three years of professional knowledge of public workforce and/or disability services systems.
• Experience working with youth with disabilities in an educational,…