Education & Employment Specialist

Position Summary

All Covenant House Alaska program staff work as advocates and allies for youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking.

The Education & Employment Specialist will provide a comprehensive range of support services to assist students in planning their careers, achieving academic success, and maximizing their overall experiential learning. This includes academic and career-focused goal setting, retention support, soft skills development, and interagency referrals. Additionally, the Education & Employment Specialist connects youth to resources and supports that help them overcome challenges and achieve success in pursuing their goals. The Education & Employment Specialist will provide and ensure high-quality trauma-informed service delivery in their work and all aspects of youth care.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the Covenant House mission, philosophy, history, tradition(s) and the underlying values upon which the Agency is founded to the staff, students and the community we serve.
• Assist students with enrollment, admissions, and registration functions.
• Develop, update, and implement career development activities that expose students to various career pathways.
• Offer mock interview support and training to build resumes, complete employment applications, and job search.
• Connect students with appropriate internship, apprenticeship, or employment opportunities.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to help students achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
• Monitor student progress through check-ins, scheduled meetings, and proactive communication.
• Intervene and provide support for students facing academic problems or other issues, developing next steps as needed.
• Arrange accommodation to meet students' needs and ensure successful course and program completion.
• Maintain and nurture partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support youth workforce development.
• Foster positive relationships within the Anchorage community to create opportunities for students to connect with employment experiences.
• Ensure compliance with documentation requirements, manage databases, and accurately report participant outcomes.
• Track onsite youth, documenting attendance, progress, and services provided.
• Act as an advocate for students, supporting their interactions with staff, partners, and other students.
• Provide support for the building and surrounding areas, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and proper maintenance, and reporting any concerns as needed. 
• Actively participate in staff meetings, development activities, and attend conferences as requested.
• Maintain database management and assist in implementing data protocols.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of data entry by residence staff for grant reporting.
• Maintain dialogue with the Data Manager to improve data design, quality, and processes.
• Analyze data to track outcomes to inform program design and decisions.
• Maintain a positive and professional working relationship with the general public, including placement agencies and families of the students.
• Demonstrate an enthusiastic commitment to the job and the students served.
• Maintain a high level of ethical standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

Associate degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field. Experience can substitute for post-secondary education on a year-for-year basis.

Minimum Experience

Experience working with adolescent or disadvantaged populations preferred; experience in youth workforce and internship experience preferred.

Experience working in student services and/or in a community agency that provides services to young adults from diverse backgrounds. Experience in education with student conduct, emergency response, and crisis management preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Understanding of and compliance with all Agency policies and procedures, including Child Protection Policies.
• Approachable, relatable, and able to build rapport with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of community social service resources for housing, employment, education, and social-emotional well-being.
• Crisis intervention skills and the ability to address conflicts between students exhibiting challenging behaviors.
• Maintain confidentiality while understanding and complying with requirements of mandated reporting, duty to warn, Title IX, ADA, HIPAA, FERPA and other limits to confidentiality.
• Sensitivity to and respect for diversity and cultural issues.
• Willingness to engage with partner human trafficking service agencies and law enforcement.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in youth service provision.
• Proficiency with standard computer operating systems and ability to navigate Microsoft Office Suite and online databases.
• Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours, including holidays and weekends as needed.
• Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass federal, state, and local background checks.
• Strong organizational abilities and leadership skills.
• Possess a current and valid Driver’s License.
• Acceptable driving record assessed through CHA’s Drivers Acceptability Matrix
• Pass federal, state, and local background check investigations.

Working Conditions

• Position works in Youth Engagement Center and within the Covey Academy residential and educational building.
• Noise level is mild to moderate, consistent with office and residential environments.
• Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Must have the ability to observe details within close range.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move within the office to access files and office equipment.
• Consistently operates a computer and related office machinery.
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairways to monitor the space within a two-story building with and possibly without the assistance of an elevator.
• Regularly moves items up to 40 pounds while ascending/descending stairways to assist residents moving in and out of the building.

Covenant House is an Equal Opportunity Employer