Youth Employment Specialist

About Us

We all want to reach our potential in life, which often begins with a meaningful job where our unique talents can shine. For some young people, however, landing that first job can seem difficult or even impossible. That’s why Bridges from School to Work (Bridges) was created in 1989.

Bridges matches the interests and abilities of young people to the needs of employers. Yet the real impact extends far beyond just landing a job. Bridges helps young adults with barriers to employment keep and progress on the job. Bridges instills character, builds confidence, and steers young adults toward a future filled with possibilities. In 12 major U.S. cities, Bridges unlocks the potential of young people, transforming lives through the power of a job.

Job Summary:

The role of a Youth Employment Specialist I is to help young adults find competitive employment and build their strengths in different areas related to the workforce. The role requires the recruitment of participants and helping them find competitive employment that matches their strengths and interests, while also keeping detailed records of all job-related activities completed. To do this, it is necessary to build relationships with state agencies, schools, parents, students, and employers.

This role requires significant travel throughout the Chicago area, sometimes with little notice, so more consideration will be given to candidates with access to their own reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and adequate insurance coverage.

Core Work Activities:

The Youth Employment Specialist I’s primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• To meet assigned Bridges outcome goals.
• Fostering and maintaining youth relationships in order to establish their commitment to utilizing our services as a resource. Providing assessments as well as individualized training and guidance to assist youth towards their career goals. Identifying and addressing barriers to employment. Providing follow-up services to facilitate their growth as they gain more experience/skills.
• To accurately maintain records to document program activities.
• Manage and represent the “Bridges” brand. Maintain relationships and communication with school districts, school personnel, employers, parents/guardians, counselors, state agencies, and colleagues.
• Regularly attend meetings with various stakeholders.
• Facilitate transportation for participants.
• Maintain participant files and records as required in a timely, complete, and accurate manner.
• General administrative responsibilities.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Assigned Outcome Goals:

• Enroll sufficient youth to achieve placement and retention outcomes:
  • Sixteen (16) Placements;
  • Twelve (12) 90-Day Retentions; and
  • Ten (10) 180-Day Retentions.
  • Outcome requirements subject to change based on the organization’s needs.

In order to consistently achieve results, Youth Employment Specialists must effectively:

• Recruit and enroll an appropriate caseload of program participants.
• Assess skills, interests, and experience of each young adult.
• Identify challenges relative to employment objectives and create specific, practical strategies to address them.
• Develop an active pool of employers that can offer jobs consistent with employment objectives of participants.
• Assess critical success factors for specific jobs, and develop job matches that benefit both the young person and the employer.
• Re-place youth as needed to achieve retention outcomes and/or to assist youth with vocational growth.
• Provide appropriate support to all involved (youth and employers) to assure employment success and vocational growth. Support includes but is not limited to:
  • Assistance with initial training and orientation to the workplace including some job coaching.
  • Guidance regarding modification of training materials and approaches to fit the individual’s learning style.
  • Assistance with public transportation or other peripheral issues that may impact employment success.
  • Appraisal and assistance with employer job accommodations.
  • Facilitation of regular formal appraisals of on-the-job performance.
  • Assistance in identifying and accessing necessary off-the-job supports or development opportunities (training, assistive equipment, etc.).

Education and Experience:

• Four-year college degree or equivalent in qualifying work experience.
• Formal training and/or experience in the following areas:
  • School-to-work transition (work with students with disabilities desirable).
  • Case management
  • Job development or employment support
  • Sales, marketing, and networking

Required Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively, specifically:
  • Ability to relate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to build, facilitate, and participate in collaboration between diverse groups.
  • Ability to effectively interpret and address needs of diverse constituents.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to effectively work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequent changes, perform multiple tasks, and prioritize accordingly.
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of technology including Microsoft suite applications, database management systems, and other internet-based platforms.
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Must be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC where allowed by local mandate.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to safely transport participants to and from interviews, meetings, and appointments(etc.) in a timely manner.
• Will need to pass MVR and insurance requirements.
• Bilingual is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to navigate inside of schools, business locations, and the local community.
• Ability to operate a vehicle or proficiency in using public transportation for commuting to various locations.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.