PROGRAM SPECIALIST, YOUTH SELF-SUFFICIENCY SERVICES

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 61,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Public Schools is seeking a program coordinator to support college and career readiness for high school students across district sites. The role focuses on implementing DYEP components year-round, guiding work-based learning, and strengthening employer partnerships to expand wraparound services for youth.

Responsibilities include coordinating events, ensuring equitable access, and providing ongoing career coaching and progression tracking within the Denver Economic Development &

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with a minimum of three years of experience working with at-risk youth.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and ability to address systemic inequities.
• Located in Colorado with ability to meet physical or job demands.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver career exploration activities for students and families.
• Plan and coordinate student career exploration events, including logistics.
• Recruit and engage students for program opportunities and provide job readiness training.
• Provide career coaching and guidance to explore pathways and work experiences.
• Ensure eligible youth have access to services while meeting contractual obligations.
• Coordinate with Transportation to support xplore events as needed.

Skills

Case management

Equity advocacy

Student support

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Job Description

Applications will be received until October 29, 2026.

About This Job

This position is grant funded through December 2027.

Coordinates and provides college and career readiness supports to high schools at which department school based services are located. Responsible for implementing all components of The Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP) year round. Support Career and College Success (CCS) initiatives by helping students explore career pathways and develop skills for future success. Serve as a resource for work-based learning, providing guidance on workforce trends, job readiness, and essential workplace skills. Prepares high school students for sustainable employment or connection with post-secondary options while supporting them through their last year of high school to meet graduation requirements. Expands student and family access to a menu of wrap around services.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range is $61,346-$73,617.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement .

What You'll Do

• Coordinate and deliver career exploration activities through a variety of program experiences. Provide targeted support to students who may face barriers to graduation and help staff strengthen their ability to guide meaningful conversations about career interests, goals, and future opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate student career exploration activities, including managing event logistics such as meals, technology, equipment and supplies, transportation, calendar scheduling, room reservations, worksite and college visits, and surveys for students and business partners.
• Recruit and engage students in program opportunities, prioritizing equitable access for those facing barriers to success. Deliver financial literacy and job readiness training, provide case management and onboarding support, address workplace performance concerns, and offer ongoing employment coaching. Conduct worksite visits and meet with business partners to support student success and strengthen employer relationships
• Provide students with career coaching and guidance by helping them explore career pathways at their home school or other schools, connect with work experience opportunities, engage families, and track student progress through Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO ) system of records
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of program requirements and ensures eligible youth have access to services while meeting all contractual obligations.
• Coordinate with the district Transportation Department to complete initial and recertification training required to operate the small activity bus for Xplore events as needed

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's Degree required
• A Minimum of three years of experience working in communities with at-risk youth and/or case management
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

With 193 schools, over 89,000 students and over 10,000 staff members, Denver Public Schools is the largest urban school district in Colorado. We’re focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. We’re re-focusing our efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon. Visit the Denver Public Schools website for more information.