Blog

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, update, and facilitate engaging workforce readiness classes aligned with current employer expectations and youth needs.
• Teach soft skills and workplace etiquette, including punctuality, appearance, communication, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Provide hands-on coaching for resume writing, application completion, and interview preparation.
• Support members in career exploration, goal setting, and identifying individual strengths and interests.
• Work with members to develop a comprehensive career plan with personal and professional goals and monitor progress.
• Integrate digital literacy, financial literacy, and workplace problem-solving into curriculum as needed.
• Maintain strong recording and reporting practices of engagement with members, including member contact and employment documentation.
• Coordinate with Career Placement Manager to align instruction with industry expectations.
• Collaborate with staff to assess youth progress and adapt instruction to different learning styles and literacy levels.
• Work collaboratively with the program team to develop an active and responsive follow-up year program.
• Maintain detailed attendance records, student performance notes, and instructional materials.
• Develop and maintain collaborative, trusting relationships with members to ensure active participation in program and follow-up activities.
• Work with Career Placement Manager to secure employment documentation from members during active programming and follow-up year.
• Complete accurate and timely entries into databases with assigned data.
• Provide relevant information for mid-term and end of term evaluations of members.
• Participate in youth conferences as necessary to ensure that members are aware of their individual performance and can maintain steady progress to complete the program and achieve their goals.
• Support recruitment, orientation, and “Mental Toughness” phases to assess workplace readiness and motivation.
• Model professional behavior and mentor youth on navigating challenges in work and training environments.
• Participate in weekly case management, Career Success and program meetings, providing information as necessary to ensure strong communication on issues impacting members and their success in the program.
• Actively participate in recruitment and retention activities of members.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience working with opportunity youth or in a workforce development/training role
• Demonstrated ability to teach or coach in areas such as professional development, resume writing, and interview skills
• Experience using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices
• Successful completion of criminal background checks, including but not limited to fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and state police background check

Essential Functions

• Strong written and verbal communication, teaching, and facilitation skills across diverse youth populations
• Ability to build rapport and trust with young people
• Skilled in curriculum development, lesson planning, and classroom management
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills
• Flexibility, patience, and problem-solving abilities
• Team-oriented and collaborative work ethic
• Close attention to detail and ability to plan and meet timelines
• Ability to work under pressure
• Self- motivated and ability to adapt quickly
• Positive, collaborative team player
• Solid skills in Microsoft Office and ability to learn and utilize other platforms

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong classroom management and facilitation skills
• Ability to adapt instruction for different learning levels and backgrounds
• Knowledge of workplace trends and employer expectations across sectors
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Ability to work cooperatively within a multi-program, multi-grant funded environment
• Possess extensive experience in Excel (required). Strong skills in Microsoft Office platform and the ability to learn and independently use a variety of databases and reporting systems.
• Ability to manage people and contribute to a culture of teamwork.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative, trusting relationships with members and alumni, built on mutual respect.

Education

A minimum of bachelor’s degree in business, workforce development, youth development or other relevant area of study. Equivalent experience considered.