Youth Employment Specialist

Young World Physical Education; Jericho (VT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a Youth Employment Specialist in Jericho, Vermont. The role focuses on supporting students through community-based learning and vocational skills development, aiding in their transition to post-secondary education or employment. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and experience in vocational counseling or special education. This position involves proactive collaboration with local businesses to create tailored employment opportunities for students with special needs.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in vocational counseling, job coaching, or related role.
• Understanding of IDEA transition requirements and best practices.
• Familiarity with local employment markets, particularly in Vermont.

Responsibilities

• Support community-based learning programs and student transition services.
• Utilize assessments to align student career interests with opportunities.
• Engage with local businesses to create diverse employment opportunities.

Skills

Vocational counseling

Job coaching

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

Job description

Youth Employment Specialist

Mt. Mansfield Union High School is seeking a skilled individual to work as a Youth Employment Specialist to support our students with community‑based learning programs. This position will support a student’s transition services, ensuring that they receive meaningful vocational skill development and real‑world work experiences.

The Specialist will work collaboratively to expand employment opportunities, work with students to develop employment skills, and prepare them for successful post‑secondary outcomes, including entry into paid employment, trade school, or higher education.

Key Responsibilities

• Community-Based Learning Program Development & Implementation:
  • Integrate opportunities into students' individualized schedules, working closely with guidance counselors and case managers.
• Student Support:
  • Utilize appropriate transition assessments to identify student career interests and effectively match students with suitable volunteer, internship, or paid employment positions.
  • Provide direct job coaching, skill‑building support, and ongoing supervision to students both in the classroom and in work‑based learning settings.
• Employer Engagement & Partnership Cultivation:
  • Proactively engage with local and greater Chittenden County businesses to cultivate new and diverse employment opportunities specifically tailored for our students.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for businesses interested in partnering with MMU for student work experiences, actively identifying employers well‑suited to working with students with special needs.
• Collaboration & Service Integration:
  • Work in close conjunction with MMU's special educators, and related service providers (e.g., Speech/Language, Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy) to ensure employment goals are seamlessly integrated into student IEPs and overall academic programming.
  • Collaborate with existing transition programs such as the Bridging Program and Project Search, complementing their services by offering broader and earlier access to diverse community‑based learning for a wider cohort of eligible students.
• Program Assessment & Documentation:
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of student placements, hours, progress, and vocational skill development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Education, Special Education, Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 1‑2 years of experience in vocational counseling, job coaching, transition services, special education, or a related role, preferably within a high school setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) transition requirements and best practices in youth employment.
• Familiarity with local and regional employment markets, particularly within Chittenden County, Vermont.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, school staff, community agencies, and business leaders.
• Experience utilizing transition assessments for career interest identification is highly desirable.
• Valid Driver’s License

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required