Youth Employment Coordinator – Western Heights

Knoxville - Knox County; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Pension plan contributions

Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays

Job summary

CAC seeks a Youth Employment Coordinator in Knoxville to connect youth, including those with justice involvement, to employment, training, and career-building opportunities. The role supports pipeline development with the Business Engagement Coordinator and under supervision of the Program Manager.

The position emphasizes holistic assessment, individualized plans, and collaboration with schools, courts, and families to promote long-term stability and mobility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with youth, justice-involved populations, or workforce programs preferred.
• Ability to travel and have a valid Tennessee driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct holistic assessments of youth participants and identify barriers to employment.
• Create individualized service and career plans emphasizing employment, education, and stability.
• Coordinate with probation officers, courts, schools, and families to support compliance and reduce recidivism.
• Connect youth to job opportunities and prepare for workplace expectations.
• Assist employer outreach and securing paid work experiences and internships.

Skills

Empathy with at-risk youth

Communication skills

Knowledge of juvenile justice

Excel

SharePoint

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, workforce development, or related field

Tools

Excel

SharePoint

Databases

Job description

The Youth Employment Coordinator supports the economic mobility goals of the Western Heights Choice Neighborhood by connecting youth- particularly those with prior justice involvement-to meaningful employment, training, and career-building opportunities. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, this full-time, 37.5 hours/week position works closely with the Business Engagement Coordinator to develop pipelines for youth workforce, promote positive work habits, and reduce barriers to long-term success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct holistic assessments of youth participants, including work readiness, educational status, justice-system involvement, social supports, and barriers to employment.
• Create individualized service and career plans emphasizing employment, education, and long-term stability.
• Provide focused case management for justice-involved youth, coordinating with probation officers, courts, schools, and families to support compliance and reduce recidivism.
• Connect youth to job opportunities by identifying suitable placements, coordinating interviews, and preparing youth for workplace expectations.
• Assist the Business Engagement Coordinator with employer outreach, job development activities, and securing paid work experiences and internships.
• With the Business Engagement Coordinator, Lead group sessions on career exploration, job readiness, resume development, interviewing, financial literacy, and workplace professionalism
• Support the organization of youth-centered hiring events, employer spotlights, career fairs, and skill-building workshops (virtual and in-person).
• Facilitate job clubs to help youth share job leads, build peer support, and develop strong work habits.
• Help youth access supportive services including transportation, work attire, tools, childcare referrals, and other resources needed for job placement and retention.
• Establish employment pathways for youth in high-wage sectors aligned with the People Plan goals.
• Track youth participation in education, training, and job placement programs; ensure timely movement along career pathways.
• Document all services, activities, and outcomes in client files and THO accurately and promptly.
• Prepare written and verbal reports on client progress, outcomes, challenges, and program activities monthly and quarterly.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, community organizations, juvenile justice partners, workforce programs, and training providers.
• Promote leadership development, civic engagement, and positive youth development opportunities.
• Work closely with the Business Engagement Coordinator and Education Specialist as a team.

Alignment with People Plan Outcomes

This position directly supports Choice Neighborhoods goals, including:

• Increasing wage income and full-time employment among workable adults and youth transitioning into adulthood.
• Removing barriers to workforce participation for justice-involved youth
• Increasing access to education, training, and career pathways leading to higher-wage, high-demand occupation
• Supporting mental and physical wellness through coordinated referrals and stability-focused case management.
• Promoting leadership, engagement, and long-term economic mobility for Western Heights residents.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.

• Ability to work empathetically and effectively with at-risk youth, including those with justice involvement.
• Community and culture knowledge and understanding
• Understanding of juvenile justice processes, probation requirements, and community-based supports.
• Familiarity with workforce development, career readiness, and employer expectations.
• Knowledge of local community resources, social service systems, and youth opportunities.
• Proficiency in technology, including databases, word processing, virtual meeting platforms, and online applications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to gather and analyze information through interviews, observation, and record review, or the ability to ask for help in these areas.
• Skill in organizing multiple priorities and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Ability to build trust with youth and families while holding them accountable to goals.
• Basic math competency and the ability to prepare accurate reports in Excel and SharePoint.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, workforce development, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prefer one to three years of experience working with youth, justice-involved populations, workforce programs, or social services in Knoxville.
• Experience with case management or career counseling preferred.
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license, reliable vehicle, auto insurance, and a safe driving record.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends for events and partnerships.

Compensation and Benefits:

CAC offers an excellent benefits package including

• Employer-paid health insurance
• Life insurance
• Pension plan contributions
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and generous holidays

SKILL LEVEL: 8, Starting at $20.86 hour/$40,677 annually.

An Equal Opportunity Employer