Youth Employment Specialist Topeka, KS

Overview

Youth Employment Specialist job at Kansas WorkforceONE. Topeka, KS.

This job was posted by:
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Are you passionate about helping young people with disabilities achieve their career goals and thrive in the workplace? Join our team as a Youth Employment Specialist and play a vital role in shaping brighter futures through personalized support, meaningful job experiences, and strong community partnerships.

About the Role:

As a Youth Employment Specialist, you will work one-on-one with youth with disabilities to support their journey into the workforce. This includes career counseling, skills training, work-based learning opportunities, and post-placement support. You will also collaborate with inclusive employers to create opportunities where these young people can shine. This is an hourly position reporting to the KANSAS WORKS Network for Employment and Career Transition for Youth (knectY) Supervisor.

• Personalized Career Counseling: Conduct in-depth assessments to uncover strengths, interests, and employment goals. Develop tailored plans that put each youth on a path toward self-sufficiency.
• Job Readiness & Skill Building: Lead engaging workshops and one-on-one coaching on topics like resume writing, interview techniques, self-advocacy, and workplace professionalism.
• Real-World
  
  Experience:
  
  Connect youth with internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadowing opportunities that align with their interests and abilities.
• Employer Engagement & Job Development: Build relationships with businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies to identify inclusive job opportunities. Advocate for diversity and accessibility in hiring.
• Workplace Accessibility & Accommodations: Partner with employers to implement reasonable accommodations and support systems that help youth succeed on the job.
• Post-Placement Support: Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to help youth navigate workplace challenges and continue progressing in their careers.
• Resource Coordination: Link youth and their families to vital community resources like transportation, housing, or financial counseling to support holistic success.
• Tracking & Reporting: Keep accurate records of youth progress, employer relationships, and program outcomes. Contribute to performance tracking and continuous improvement efforts.
• Advocacy & Outreach: Promote disability inclusion and awareness through community engagement, partnership-building, and public education.

• Associates Degree preferred (or equivalent experience in vocational, educational, or disability services).
• Experience working with youth with disabilities in schools, job programs, or community settings.
• Knowledge of disability rights, vocational rehabilitation, and inclusive employment practices.
• Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams); database experience preferred.
• Project management, data tracking, and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly (local/regional, limited overnight).
• A positive, flexible, and mission-driven attitude.
• Certification in career development or vocational counseling.
• Experience working directly with employers to promote inclusive hiring.

• Mission-Driven Work: Help young people unlock their full potential.
• Supportive Culture: Collaborative team environment.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities to expand your impact and skills.
• Inclusive Values: Work with an organization that prioritizes equity and accessibility.

This position may require travel to meet with clients, attend employer meetings, or participate in community events. Flexible scheduling may be necessary to accommodate participant needs, including occasional evenings and weekends. This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable.

Contact Information
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For more information, please refer to the original posting. Background check is required; employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.