Workforce Development Specialist - Youth Programming

The Youth Workforce Development Specialist provides case management, career, and employment readiness services to eligible youth ages 14--24 under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA),Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other grant funded programs. The specialist works closely with schools, employers, community partners, and youth to promote positive outcomes in education, training, and employment. This work is done under the supervision of the Youth Program Coordinator along with the President and Vice President of the Agency.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Participant Recruitment & Eligibility**

• Assist with outreach, presentations, and partnership-building to recruit eligible youth for WIOA Youth, TANF and grant funding programs.
• Screen and assess youth for program eligibility; collect and verify all required documentation.
• Utilize assessment tools to identify strengths, barriers, career interests, and service needs.
  
  

**Case Management & Career Planning (Out-of-School Youth)**

• Develop Individual Service Strategies (ISS) for Out-of-School Youth outlining education, training, employment, and support goals.
• Provide ongoing case management, including coaching, mentoring, and follow-up.
• Monitor participation and progress toward goals; update case files and plans as needed.
  
  

**Education & Employment Services**

• Deliver job readiness training such as resume development, interview preparation, soft skills, financial literacy, and workplace behavior.
• Conduct virtual reality career exploration activities.
• Assist with work experience placements (WEX), internships, pre-apprenticeships, and job-shadowing experiences.
• Engage employers to identify job opportunities and match youth to suitable positions.
  
  

**Program Compliance & Documentation**

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, eligibility documentation, and service records within required data systems (e.g., state MIS, internal databases).
• Ensure full compliance with WIOA Youth, TANF, and grant funded program regulations, performance measures, and reporting requirements.
• Track and document measurable skills gains (MSG), credential attainment, employment outcomes, and retention.
  
  

**Collaboration & Community Engagement**

• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, employers, community organizations, and social service agencies.
• Participate in community events, resource fairs, workshops, and employer engagement activities.
  
  

**Qualifications**

**Education & Experience**

• Minimum of an Associate degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Counseling, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth, workforce development, case management, or social service programs strongly desired.
• Knowledge of WIOA Youth and/or TANF regulations is a plus.
  
  

**Skills & Competencies**

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and motivational interviewing skills.
• Ability to engage and build rapport with diverse, at-risk, or disconnected youth.
• Knowledge of career pathways, labor market trends, and youth development best practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage caseloads, meet deadlines, and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office.
  
  

All new hires must pass a pre-employment background check. Southwest Training Services, Inc. does not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws.

EOE