Program Description

The Skill Up grant is a partnership with NFI, Department of Youth Services (DYS) and managed by Commonwealth Corporation to deliver high-quality career development, technical training and workforce programming and services that are aligned with local labor market needs within or across the five DYS geographic regions in Massachusetts. The initiative aims to reduce recidivism for DYS youth through the provision of high-quality services leading to employment with benefits at family sustaining wages. Additionally, the initiative seeks to reduce employment barriers and provide career, technical and workforce training that improves opportunities and reduces access and engagement barriers for youth as they transition back to the community from their residential treatment programs. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9-5PM. Flexibility is expected to work outside of normal business hours on occasion.

Responsibilities:
• Provide continuum wide career navigation support to youth committed to The Department of Youth Services from assessment through discharge

• Work with and execute a variety of different assessments that inform a youth’s career trajectory
• Work with the Empower Your Future curriculum to inform and develop a continuously evolving career plan
• Monitor participation in career related services, and coordinate with other caring adults to ensure activities are related to a youth’s career plan. These services will include, but will not be limited to the following:
• Manage the existing subsidized work placements sites for youth and add additional opportunities

• Accurately keep timely data and track participation in a variety of databases.
• Attend 90/60/30-day transition planning meetings while youth are in facilities to continue to inform the career plan and connect with other caring adults to help inform the plan.
• Attend weekly district office meetings with community casework staff to ensure coordination of career services.
• Attend statewide Career Navigation meetings hosted by CommCorp
• Develop placement opportunities (MassHire, subsidized and unsubsidized employment, internships, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and other career related opportunities
• Manage a bi-weekly youth stipend payment process with assigned youth

Qualifications:
• BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in education, counseling, job development, social work, criminal justice, or related field
• Teaching/Counseling experience with grants is a plus
• Knowledge of social service/community agency practices
• Willingness to work with challenged client populations
• Reliable transportation a must

Salary range: $52,000-55.000