Youth Employment Specialist

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 position requires significant travel throughout the DC Metro area, sometimes with little notice, so more consideration will be given to candidates with access to 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: Meeting assigned Bridges outcome goals. Fostering and maintaining youth relationships to establish their commitment to utilizing our services as a resource. Providing assessments as well as individualized training and guidance to assist youth toward their career goals. Identifying and addressing barriers to employment. Providing follow‑up services to facilitate growth as youth gain more experience and skills. Accurately maintaining records to document program activities. Managing and representing the “Bridges” brand. Maintaining relationships and communication with school districts, school personnel, employers, parents/guardians, counselors, state agencies, and colleagues. Regularly attending meetings with various stakeholders. Facilitating transportation for participants. Maintaining participant files and records in a timely, complete, and accurate manner. Performing general administrative responsibilities. Completing other tasks as assigned. Assigned Outcome Goals Enroll sufficient youth to achieve placement and retention outcomes: Twelve (12) 90‑Day Retentions. Ten (10) 180‑Day Retentions. Outcome requirements are subject to change based on organizational needs. Key Competencies To consistently achieve results, Youth Employment Specialists I 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 participants’ employment objectives. 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 or to assist youth with vocational growth. Provide appropriate support to all involved (youth and employers) to assure employment success and vocational growth. Support Provided to Youth and Employers Assistance with initial training and orientation to the workplace, including some job coaching. Guidance regarding modification of training materials and approaches to fit individual learning styles. Assistance with public transportation or other peripheral issues that may affect 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 (experience working with students with disabilities desirable), case management, job development or employment support, and 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 with a wide range of stakeholders. Ability to build, facilitate, and participate in collaboration among diverse groups. Ability to effectively interpret and address the needs of diverse constituents. Ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequent changes, perform multiple tasks, and prioritize accordingly. 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 in a timely manner; must 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 schools, business locations, and the local community. Ability to operate a vehicle or use public transportation for commuting to various locations. Ability to operate general office equipment. We are required by law to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We also measure our progress toward having at least 7 % of our workforce be individuals with disabilities. Because a person may become disabled at any time, we ask all employees to update their information at least every five years. Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope you will choose to do so. Your answer will be maintained confidentially and will not be considered in making personnel decisions. Completing the form will not negatively impact you in any way, regardless of whether you have self‑identified in the past. For more information about these obligations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at #J-18808-Ljbffr