YouthBuild Career Specialist

Housing Authority of Champaign County; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Authority of Champaign County seeks a Program Coordinator under the YouthBuild framework to network with public and private sectors to create career-building opportunities for YouthBuild students.

The role involves coordinating guest speakers, site visits, job shadow experiences, and informational interviews; facilitating job clubs; and developing internship programs to support student career goals in a dynamic, multi-cultural setting.

Qualifications

• Job development and placement experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of the apprenticeship system in the construction trades.
• Comfort in diverse business and corporate settings.
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
• High energy and motivation to help young people succeed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain partnerships in public and private sectors to provide career opportunities aligned with YouthBuild students' interests and goals.
• Assist YouthBuild staff and students to identify and schedule career-related guest speakers, site visits, job shadow experiences, and informational interviews.
• Participate in the facilitation of job club.
• Develop and oversee an internship program for students.
• Interview students relative to placements and follow up on progress.
• Meet with trainees to learn their job and career goals or immediate needs.
• Plan and organize job search skills workshops, including interviewing, resume preparation, and other skills.
• Work with the director and board in marketing the program to potential employers and presenting YouthBuild.

Skills

Job development

Communication skills

Apprenticeship systems

Diversity awareness

Attention to detail

Motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Classification: YouthBuild
Supervisor: Program Manager
Position Status: Non-exempt
Supervision Exercised: None
Revision Date: April 2021

Position Summary/Objectives
Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, networks in the private and public sectors to develop career-building opportunities for YouthBuild students.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain partnerships in the public and private sectors that will provide career opportunities that are aligned with YouthBuild students' interests and goals
• Assist YouthBuild staff members and students to identify and schedule career-related guest speakers, site visits, job shadow experiences, and informational interviews
• Participate in the facilitation of job club
• Develop and oversee an internship program for students
• Interview students relative to placements being sought
• Meet with trainees at regular intervals to learn their job and career goals or immediate needs
• Plan and organize job search skills workshops, including interviewing, resume preparation, and other skills
• Work with the director and board in marketing the program to potential employers. This will include developing and making presentations about YouthBuild.
• Ensure trainees are prepared before going to job interviews and conduct follow-up assessments.
• Connect trainees with viable job opportunities
• Work closely with employers of students to maximize student employment retention and success
• Provide evaluation, conciliation, and mediation between employer and employee post-job placement
• Network in the public and private sectors to promote awareness and enhance the reputation of the YouthBuild program
• Work as a staff member of the student services team
• Contribute to YouthBuild program refinements in ways that meet employers' needs and expectations
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills. and Abilities Required

• Job development and placement experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of the apprenticeship system in the construction trades
• Comfort in diverse business and corporate settings
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• High energy and motivation to help young people succeed

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Most of the work for this position is performed in meeting rooms or construction/on-job training sites.
• Travel by automobile within the area may be required.
• Bachelor's degree in the social sciences, business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least three years experience in job development and placement.
• Knowledge of the construction industry and major private and public employers in the area.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to persuasively present program and trainees.
• Ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively to a multiracial and multicultural group of young people.
• Experience in planning and conducting training sessions or workshops.