Career Readiness Specialist Job New York New York USA,Education / Teaching

JOB TITLE: Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Education and Parent Support Services
LOCATION: Brooklyn/Queens/Brentwood
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
As part of SCO's Forward Journey Initiative, the Specialist works with youth on a one-on-one basis to develop individualized career development based on youth interests and strengths. The Specialist will support youth in foster care connect to meaningful careers and prepare them for economic self-sufficiency.
This will include providing youth internships within SCO that will give them hands-on job experience as well as support and guidance from trained mentors as they continue their education and develop career goals. Support includes connecting youth to programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals. Specialists provide ongoing social and emotional support including connecting youth to peer support groups to foster positive relationships.

Specialist will work with youth under Forward Journey Initiative coordinating, assisting and locating employment for youth.
REPORTS TO: Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist
SUPERVISES: N/A

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of SCO's Forward Journey Initiative, the Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist will support youth who will be matched one-to-one with trained SCO Mentors to facilitate successful internship experiences. The Mentors will provide valuable insights based on their career experience, educational
backgrounds, and challenges they have faced on a professional and personal level.

Key program components include:

Community-based
- Staff meet youth wherever is best for them (e.g., home, school, community).
Systemic approach- incorporates multiple aspects of the youth's natural ecology (community, peers, family, school).
Comprehensive- addressing the full range of a youth's needs and goals (academic, career, housing, relationships).

Career Readiness & Mentorship Specialist duties will include, but not be limited to:

Conduct formal individualized career assessments and facilitate career readiness workshops.
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to transition successfully into the world of work (e.g., howe to get jobs, succeed in the workplace, and understand the workplace policies).
Help youth succeed in these settings, navigate any challenges that arise, celebrate success, and plan/prepare for the next step on their journey (e.g., how to request workplace accommodations, and how to manage conflict in the workplace).
Assist all youth to select at least one career development experience each year that is in line with their interests and academic situation/background.
Collaborate with Case Planners, Tutors, Specialists, Foster Parent, and Parents, as needed, to help youth achieve their goals and ensure their overall well-being.
Provide persistence coaching to young people enrolled in external program by checking in with them regularly.
Build relationships with youth and provide ongoing social and emotional support.
Connect youth to Peer Group supports and build positive relationships.
Transport youth to/from employment when necessary
Assist youth with obtaining working papers, if needed
Complete PYA Tasks including PAT Tool as needed
Complete Youth Voice Questionnaire for youth (14-up) as needed
Facilitate My Journey Groups for youth
Facilitate PYA Monthly Workshops
Attend and complete all Fair Futures trainings. Input child information into all required data platforms and systems.
Other tasks as assigned by Supervisor

Housing & Independent Living:

Coordinate with housing specialist to ensure youth submit housing applications (by age 18 when appropriate)
Accompany the youth to interviews and visit housing options, when needed
Assist youth with obtaining furniture, support through the move in process, and provide continued support with housing stability.

II. QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Degree:
Bachelor's Degree;
Extensive Experience working with Youth

Other skills and requirements:

Experience in Education and Foster Care (preferred)
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, a strong sense of empathy towards our populations served, and a passion for the field of child welfare.
Ability to respond to the unique developmental needs of children in different stages of maturation including early childhood, school age, or young adulthood.
Ability to work with parents and children that have histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, different cultural backgrounds, and varying…