Youth Development Specialist

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to opening doors for young people. The Youth Employment Specialist plays a critical role in Capital Workforce Partners’ commitment to creating inclusive career pathways and expanding economic opportunity across our communities. As part of the Programs Team, this position supports in-school youth served under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) who are referred by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS). The Specialist manages a caseload of youth participants, ensuring access to all 14 WIOA program elements, and delivers hands-on guidance focused on job preparation, skill-building, and long-term success in the workforce. Through strong partnerships with BRS jobseekers, employers, community-based organizations, and local school districts, this role helps connect education to employment and real-world opportunity for youth and adults. This is a grant-funded position through March 31, 2027, offering the opportunity to make measurable, lasting impact in the Capital Region. Requirements Case Management & Compliance Manage a caseload of WIOA In-School Youth (ISY) participants referred by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS). Provide ongoing support, follow-up, and service coordination to assigned participants. Ensure each participant receives access to all 14 required WIOA youth program elements. Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation of services, progress, and outcomes in CT Hires. Ensure compliance with WIOA, CTDOL, and grant reporting requirements. Program Coordination & Service Delivery Coordinate and deliver comprehensive employment, education, and training services aligned with participant career goals and WIOA objectives. Facilitate access to WIOA program elements, including work readiness training, career exploration, occupational skills training, internships, and supportive services. Collaborate with local school districts and community-based organizations to deliver youth- and adult-centered programming. Monitor participant progress and engagement; adjust service plans to support successful outcomes. Stakeholder Engagement & Workforce Integration Build and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and training providers to support job placements and work-based learning opportunities. Serve as a liaison between BRS, participants, employers, and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery. Support career pathway development by connecting participants to labor market information, credentialing opportunities, and industry-specific resources. Promote collaboration across partners to improve job placement and retention outcomes. Enrollment, Assessment & Individual Planning Conduct intake and eligibility assessments for BRS-referred in-school youth and adult jobseekers. Guide participants through the enrollment process in alignment with WIOA and CTDOL policies. Collect, verify, and maintain required eligibility and enrollment documentation. Develop and maintain Individual Service Strategies (ISS) aligned with participant education and employment goals. Identify barriers to employment and coordinate appropriate supportive services, including accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Data Management & Performance Tracking Enter and maintain accurate records of services, outcomes, and participant progress in CT Hires. Prepare case notes, progress reports, and documentation for monitoring and audit purposes. Track benchmarks, performance metrics, and required follow-ups to ensure timely completion and compliance. Team & Organizational Contribution Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and cross-program initiatives. Collaborate with colleagues to support continuous improvement of youth services. Stay current on WIOA regulations, policy updates, and workforce development best practices. Engage in professional development activities to enhance service delivery and program outcomes. Competencies Case Management Workforce Development Youth Employment and Career Readiness Services Data Entry, Documentation, and Compliance Knowledge of WIOA Youth Program Elements Labor Market and Career Pathway Awareness Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness Experience & Education Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Counseling, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred Applicants with extensive, directly related experience in workforce development, case management, or youth services may be considered in lieu of a degree Experience providing case management services required Experience working with youth populations required Experience supporting individuals with disabilities preferred Experience in workforce development, employment services, education, or training programs preferred Familiarity with WIOA, CTDOL reporting requirements, or performance-driven grant programs preferred Supervision This position does not have supervisory or management responsibility. Special Working Conditions Grant-funded position through March 31, 2027 This direct service position requires an in-office presence five (5) days per week to bolster case management responsibilities Occasional local travel may be required for meetings, school visits, employer engagement, or participant support Ability to maintain regular attendance and meet established performance benchmarks and deadlines #J-18808-Ljbffr