Youth Career Coach - Central States SER

Position Title: Youth Career Coach

Reports to:Program Manager

Status:Non-exempt

Type:Full-time

JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for providing quality case management service for approximately 50 at-risk youth leading participants to self-sufficiency. Responsible for developing and positively executing action plans with participants, including GED attainment, credentials, post-secondary, and employment obtainment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•Adheres to the mission and Core Values of SER.

•Maintains a caseload of between 45 and 50 youth.

•Shows interest and concern for all youth, recognizes youth as “customers,” and treats them with respect

•Interviews customers or their authorized representatives to gather information to assess service needs and to complete the intake process, which includes data entry into Career Connect Data System.

•Completes weekly reports that include hires, placements, retention, GED attendance, and testing to see service gaps and act accordingly to re-engage youth.

•Allocates equal time for individual participants as needed to assist with progress.

•Performs street/home/training provider/employment visits to all participants on caseload.

•Performs follow-up with youth and employers after placement and performs site visits

•Assures maintenance of case files on all participants, including eligibility documentation and information regarding assessment, referrals, training, education, employment and follow-up, are accurate and complete.

•Works with partnerships with appropriate public and private agencies that provide services to the students and families, including outreach activities with schools, street, community- and faith-based organizations.

•Matches screened and qualified participants to job openings or relevant training and address any job barriers before referral to designated staff, along with assisting in job development and base learning activities.

•Assists in securing employment verifications.

•Provides guidance to counseling for participants in the decision making to a career path.

•Follows safety measures with youth indoors and outdoors.

•Responsible for communicating and documenting discipline issues with direct supervisor.

•Provides choices for youth and guides them in making positive decisions. Works for self-esteem building in all participants by implementing Life Skills workshops.

•Maintains working knowledge of all program statements of work and performance goals.

•Coordinates activities with the youth team to developed leadership opportunities and adult mentoring activities.

•Coordinates and facilitates field trips such as employer site visits and college tours.

•Assists in evaluating current procedures and practices for accomplishing objectives. Implements alternative methods for improvement of program.

•Collects data and information for periodic program evaluations.

•Maintains communication and a positive relationship with other team members.

•Must be willing to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

•Attends all staff meetings.

•Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

1.BA/BS degree in related field, and/or two years related work experience, academic or vocational training, including proof of in-house training and experience with at-risk youth

2.Must be willing to obtain official transcripts for all degrees and/or credits

3.Excellent communication skills

4.Access to a vehicle and valid Illinois driver’s license

5.Willingness to travel locally

6.Proficiency in computer applications

7.Must be able to pass a criminal background check

8.Must be willing to become a mandated reporter

9.Must be bilingual (Spanish/English)

Desired Qualifications

•Experience with at-risk youth

•Social work experience

•Familiarity with Illinois Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act

•Experience working with juvenile justice

PI254366954