Youth Workforce Specialist - Home Youth Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Youth Workforce Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing workforce development programs for youth. This position facilitates employment readiness training, career exploration, and job placement assistance while building relationships with community partners, employers, and educational institutions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE A Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Services, Workforce Development, or a related field. Two years of experience in workforce training, youth programming, career coaching, or a related field. Experience developing and facilitating job readiness training for young people preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required. Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment. Candidate must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check. Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings. Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Preferences given to applicants who have experience working with people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of becoming homeless. Strong understanding of youth workforce development and best practices. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with employers, community organizations, and schools. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, videoconferencing platforms, and digital learning tools. Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. Develops and implements workforce development programs that align with youth needs and employment opportunities. Provides job readiness training, career coaching, and mentorship to youth participants. Conducts workshops in an effort to help youth develop skills necessary to enter the workforce. Assists youth in developing resumes, job applications, and interview skills. Establishes partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and schools to support job placements and internship opportunities. Coordinates and tracks youth enrollment, participation, and program outcomes. Develops and maintains a calendar of workforce development activities, workshops, and employer engagement events. Stays up to date with labor market trends, career pathways, and workforce best practices. Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness, gathering feedback and making improvements as necessary. Advocates for youth employment opportunities within the community. Supports participants in overcoming barriers to employment, connecting them with necessary resources. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Frequent driving, including Agency vehicles with youth passengers. Maintains calm dispositions and regulates emotions when clients, staff, or others may become escalated. Regulates emotions and handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks. Attends and engages in required annual trainings. Specific vision abilities are required of this position. Frequently required to hear and speak. Use of kitchen equipment including, but not limited to range, oven, steamer, dishwasher, and various kitchen utensils. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Frequent mobility for up to 8 hours a day. Manual dexterity for handling office and kitchen equipment. WORK ENVIRONMENT This position requires on-site work. Close quarters, often with a client youth population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or sever and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior. Indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands. Variable work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends may be required. Work environment is occasionally warm, humid and temperatures vary. MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.