Youth Career Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social service nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.

Reporting to the Workforce Development Program Manager, the Youth Career Development Program Specialist is responsible for outreach, recruitment, career exploration events, student support for post-secondary education and training, job placement, and other specialized training programs for identified youth.

This role ensures that participants receive comprehensive support, from career readiness to job retention, while fostering partnerships with community organizations and employers to create meaningful opportunities.

The full-time (40 hours/week) Youth Career Development Specialist will be a position in partnership with the Workforce Development program directly impacting job seekers in metro Chicago area.

Key Responsibilities:

Youth Outreach, Recruitment, & Orientation:

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to engage eligible youth in workforce programs.
• Participate in community outreach events.
• Administer skill level tests for participating youths. Provide a structured orientation for youths and their parents (if under 18) to set expectations.
• Assist youth in obtaining State IDs by guiding them through the application process (if applicable).

Career Exploration:

• Coordinate program events such as career expos, job fairs, and field trips to businesses and colleges.
• Coordinate workshop series with invited guest speakers from various industrial sectors.
• Provide job readiness workshops focusing on soft skills building, resume writing, and interview practice.
• Provide 1:1 career coaching and create individualized plans with career goals for youth.

Post-secondary Education and Training Opportunities:

• Identify and partner with credentialed training providers for industry-recognized certifications.
• Provide information and resources for college admission, scholarships, and tests
• Support students completing college applications, FAFSA applications, job/internship/work -based learning/scholarship/advanced training and certificate applications
• Connect youths with schools and training facilities, and employers; coordinate site visits and field trips.
• Facilitate a diverse range of training opportunities in both public and private sectors to support youth career exploration.
• Establish partnerships with community-based organizations to provide hands-on work experience.
• Monitor youth placements at worksites or training programs for 1+ year to ensure successful completion.

Program Implementation & Participant Engagement:

• Lead curriculum delivery, interactive activities, and workforce development training for participants.
• Provide wrap-around services and refer at-risk youth to internal and external support programs.
• Facilitate team-building exercises to foster a sense of community among participants.
• Facilitate CPR class for participants in the community.
• Connect clients over 18 years old looking for job placement with Program Specialist for job seeking opportunities

Data Management & Compliance:

• Track and enter participant data into the data management system (e.g., Salesforce and, Charity Tracker).
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, assessments, and participant progress.
• Administer and evaluate CASAS GOALS/ESLOA to assess skill development.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements by providing timely and accurate documentation.

Community Partnerships & Recruitment:

• Represent the workforce program at college fairs, career expos, and community events to recruit participants.
• Strengthen relationships with referral sources, Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges, universities, employers, and other community organizations.
• Coordinate participant referrals to internal agency services and external vocational training programs.

Professional Development & Additional Duties:

• Attend all mandatory training and meetings, including technology and data management training.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by integrating digital literacy, career readiness, and industry-specific skills into the curriculum.
• Perform additional responsibilities assigned to enhance program and organization effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Available to work a schedule of 11am-7pm (10 am to 6 pm during Summer and Winter breaks)
• Ability to travel between West Town, Little Village and other work sites.
• Bachelor's degree in education, social work, or related fields is preferred
• Experience in youth workforce development, education, or case management is preferred.
• Strong organizational and data management skills to track participant outcomes; Experience in using Salesforce preferred.
• Ability to foster partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations.
• Experience working with diverse youth populations and understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills to engage youth in career and skill-building activities.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of young people.
• Bilingual – Spanish and English required.
• Commitment to social justice and sensitivity to the assets and challenges of a diverse group of youths
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, on-line systems, and other software
• Strong leadership skills that promote innovation, growth, and retention
• Skilled in project management, the ability to meet deadlines, and solve problems creatively.
• Ability to develop rapport with individuals across multi-cultural backgrounds and with faculty, staff, and members of the community
• Must be available for occasional evening and weekend events

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS:

• Compensation of $24.04/ hour.
• Work / life integration.
  • Generous paid time off.
• (examples below for full-time employment).
• 12 accrued sick days per year:
  • 3 personal days.
  • Paid birthday off.
  • 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth.
  • In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
  • Vacation:
    • Year 1 = 8 days.
    • Year 2 = 13 days.
    • Year 3 + = 20 days.
  • Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible.
  • Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees.
  • Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave.
• Professional Development.
  • Employer-sponsored learning and development programs.
  • Paid day off annually for personal professional development.
  • Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows.
• Wellness support:
  • Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care.
  • 403b with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Union / Non Exempt.

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at [email protected].

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTERSCHOOL ASSOCIATION

RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE;

UNITED WAY MEMBER