Program Specialist – YAWL

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Program Summary: CYC’s YAWL Workforce Development Program provides job readiness and employment support services to youth ages 16-24. The program offers 1:1 job search and career coaching, work-based learning internships, college and career exploration, and job shadowing opportunities to propel youth and young adults to be ready for college, work, and productive adulthood.

Position Description: Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Program Specialist is responsible for program planning and implementation, coordinating and facilitating employment readiness workshops/training, recruiting worksites for WBL internship placements, and providing high-quality youth workforce and development services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop curriculum and facilitate job readiness training workshops which include but are not limited to: professionalism, career exploration, resume and cover letter building, job search/navigation, interview skill development, mock interviews, and strength/talent identification.
• Provide 1:1 career guidance and assist participants with individualized education and career planning services, job search and placement assistance and conduct follow ups for retention services.
• Collaborate with the workforce team to strategize on program planning, development and implementation of overall youth workforce development programs and outcomes.
• Outreach and recruit employers from private and public sectors to serve as host sites for work-based learning internships and provide on-going support to worksite supervisors.
• Coordinate worksite visits, college tours, career spotlights, and special events as assigned.
• Connect participants to resources within CYC and other CBO or city services for barrier removal to ensure their success.
• Ensure that all program development incorporates local “Youth Program Quality Standards” and all deliverables are met as stated in the grant work plan.
• Act as a liaison and collaborate with other post secondary educational and training services to support youth.
• Coordinate GED attainment services, tutoring services, and basic skills remediation as needed.
• Cultivate relationships with employers to develop employment opportunities for youth and young adults.
• Complete all required written documentation and reports as required to meet funder compliance.
• Support agency-wide events and other duties as assigned by management

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Two years of experience working with youth, preferably within youth workforce development programs.
• Experience in facilitating meetings, workshops, and providing 1:1 support to youth and young adults.
• Ability to work with ethnically diverse groups of low-income youth as well as English language learners to provide social and emotional support.
• Experience working with community-based service providers and private sector partners.
• Ability to work as part of a team to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and to work independently in a fast paced environment.
• Bilingual in Cantonese/MandarIn/Spanish and English is preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good organizational and project management skills.
• Enthusiasm for promoting academic achievement and college to career education.
• Able to lift or move at least 25lbs
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to taking regular Covid-19 health tests as required by program health and safety guidelines and/or current health directives