PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Youth Advancement Specialist performs activities designed to assist Covenant House youth of various backgrounds and skill levels with finding employment and / or suitable vocational training, post-secondary education, or certificate training opportunities.

The Youth Advancement Specialist will establish and maintain relationships with employers and community organizations to develop placement opportunities as well as quality vocational, technical, or other learning programs.

This position requires independent judgment and proactivity as the support agent for youth advancement will be working substantially in the field, making home visits regularly and otherwise assisting the youth to make community connections for long-term success. The Youth Advancement Specialist must also be comfortable in building and maintaining rapport with youth, Flexibility, a willingness to be available by email or phone, and excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are critical to successfully fulfilling the requirements of this position.

The Youth Advancement Specialist will coordinate day-to-day activities such as orienting youth to the services CovWorks provides and tracking placement data for youth enrolled in the HUD funded programs, Transitional Housing and Rapid Re-Housing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Establish and maintain temporary /seasonal, full-time, and part-time job bank
• Develops at least one new vocation/technical training linkage per quarter that meets the needs and interest of CovWorks youth
• Assist youth in identifying positions in their field of interest; assist in the development of resumes, cover letters and applications, help youth explore alternative employment options
• Organize tours of local training programs, community partners offering vocational and certification trainings, and other educational institutions
• Develop and foster professional relationships with employers, placement agencies and temporary agencies to ensure consistent contact for job leads within the community.
• Communicate with employers and ensure placements are entered into ETO system once appropriate verification documentation has been received.
• Coordinate recruitment days and targeted job fairs.
• Organize onsite events with local career technical training and credentialing institutions

• Provide retention services to ensure youth success and employer satisfaction.

• Collaborate and work closely with the Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing program staff to ensure that outcomes measures are met to support housing stability

• Write detailed case notes and track program-required statistics

• Support clients with accessing support services utilizing “Single Stop” benefits program platform.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field of study and/or 5(five) years of experience in youth engagement, disadvantage youth, or at-risk population.
• Demonstrated experience working with youth who have barriers in achieving self-sufficiency, developmentally or physically disabled adults, or at-risk populations
• Experience working with diverse populations-familiar with cultural competency

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of job market and current employer contacts and job bank required
• Fluency in Spanish preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, and Power Point]

Schedule 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

The salary range is $ 45, 500. - $48, 400.

Compensation

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to full medical, vision, dental, life, and short and long-term disability insurance and other fringe benefits. Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire. PTO includes 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 holidays, 13 sick days, 5 personal days, and birthday days off. Benefits include a 403b with employer contribution after 12 months. There are also multiple additional optional benefits (including additional life, disability, accident, and cancer insurance) available at significantly reduced rates. "CH is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered."

Covenant House New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer