Youth Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization that funds job training, education, and other community programs by selling donated clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and online. We offer life-changing work on a mission-minded team. We are 1,000 working as one and each of us is essential to helping our community thrive. For three years running, Goodwill has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies”.

We offer a wide range of career opportunities ranging from entry-level to management in retail, human services, and administrative fields. Learn more about working at Goodwill. You can help. We can show you how.

The Youth Employment Specialist plays a key role in supporting adjudicated and/or at-risk youth by providing carerr exploration services and job readiness training that aligns with the department and individual program objectives. This position delivers services both on site and in the community, helping particiapants to identify and work towrds goals, develop skills, and access employment opportunities that in turn increase and aid in the likelihood of retention and successful program outcomes. The Employment Specialist works closely with youth participants to ensure their needs are met, a safe and supportive environment is maintained, and individual progess aligns with program goals. In addition to connecting particpants with relevant services and resources, the Youth Employment Specialist facilitates JumpStart Success a job readiness and career exploration training program designed to prepare youth enrolled in programming for long term success in the workforce. 

Duties will also include but are not limited to:

• Complete enrollment paperwork on new participants as well as providing job readiness assessment to address needs and or barriers.
• Support participants in securing resources and/or services necessary to obtain and maintain employment.
• Develop new partnerships by analyzing the local job market and synthesizing trend data to support the marketing of services to funders, employers, and/or other identified partners.
• Provide job specific training, support and supervision to youth by ensuring that individuals’ needs are met, goals are implemented, and a safe environment is maintained.
• Develop an employment plan of action and related goals; assists individuals in applying for and obtaining other services related to meeting stated goals.
• Correctly complete and submit all required and requested program documentation in a timely manner.
• Delelop new community and employer partnerships by analyzing relationships with community employers and the public, including but not limited to conducting workshops and information sessions and acting as a liaison to Goodwill Departments, customers, employers and other community organizations.
• Deliver an employment play of action and related goals; assist individuals in applying for and obtaining other services related to meeting stated goals. 

Status:  Full-time

Location: 118 52nd Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

External Hiring Range: $20.00-$20.90/hour

Schedule:  Monday through Friday, some evenings and weekends may be required. Schedule can vary depending on department needs.

Travel: Yes, some travel will be required. 

• High school diploma or equivalent AND 4 years of experience required. OR
• Associate degree AND 2 years of experience required. OR
• Bachelor’s degree AND No experience required.

Required Degree(s): Must be Human Services, Education, Teaching, Social Work, Communications, or related field.

Required Experience : Must be related to working with youth and/or young adults and low-income and at-risk youth, and/or experience with foster care and/or adjudicated youth.

• Candidates are expected to provide current valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to first day of employment.