YES! Employment Specialist

Description

REPORTS TO: LEAD Youth Development Specialist  
 
SUMMARY: The YES! Employment Specialist establishes linkages with employers and local businesses marketing the SER services to employers to create job opportunities and job placements for SER customers and participants.  
 
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  
YOUTH FOCUSED 
• Adheres to the mission and Core Values of SER. 
• Adheres to the Passion and Vision of the SER Youth Empowered to Succeed-YES! Program. 
• Serves as the liaison between employers and the program.  
• Promotes the services of the programs to local employers in need of hiring qualified employees. 
• Facilitates job readiness training workshops with youth that include resume writing, interviewing, applications, and any other workshops needed. 
• Works one-on-one with youth to prepare for interviews or to assist in writing a resume. 
• Works with Youth Development Specialist to assure proper job matching for all participants.  
• Consults with area chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, and all local employers regarding economic and employment trends.  
• Organizes and facilitates job clubs on a weekly basis. 
• Work with all Employment Specialists (BSR’s) to organize and implement bi-annual job fairs for the youth participants. 
• Responsible for the implementation of the ”Business Services Plan” including ongoing recruitment and outreach activities of prospective employers, linking employers to tax incentives and funding opportunities available to train their workforce.  
• Creates and monitors job bank database information to ensure that employment opportunities are available for job-ready customers.  
• Continually works with staff to identify job shadowing, internships and employment opportunities for youth customers. 
• Identifies youth who need additional career development training and refers back to Youth Training Facilitator and Youth Development Specialist.  
• Secures employment verifications forms and hire cards to be submitted to LEAD Youth Development Specialist and/or Youth Program Manager. 
• Performs follow-up with youth and employers after placement; 30, 60, 90, and 120 day retention, including frequent work site visits.  
• Submits plan of action to immediate supervisor detailing plan to secure program placement goal. 
• Assists in the writing and organization of all proposals and grant applications. 
• Follows safety measures with youth indoors and outdoors. 
• Must be willing and able to accompany and supervise youth on outings and fundraising events. 
SER 
 
JOBS FOR PROGRESS, INC 
 
 
• Responsible for communicating discipline issues with youth to Youth Program Manger. 
• Provides choices for youth and guides them in making positive decisions. Works for self-esteem building in all participants.  
• Must be active and involved with all youth with in all youth programs. 
• Maintain knowledge in current field by attending seminars, workshops and in-service training that totals 15 hours annually. 
• Attends and completes Advancing Youth Development training. 
• Maintain communication and positive working relationships with team members.  
• Must be willing to work occasional evening and weekend hours. 
• Attends all staff meetings. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 
 
 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
 
• Bachelors Degree in Business, Marketing, Business Management, Public Administration, Economics, Communications, Social Science, or related field preferred from an accredited four-year college or university.  
• Experience working with youth for a minimum of 2 years. 
• Experience with interviewing employers to assess and to record information regarding training needs, education needs, employment needs, and labor market trends to fully explore career development opportunities for customers. 
• Experience in customer job placement and job retention. 
• Prefer four years full-time equivalent work experience in providing outplacement or job search services in the public or private sector. 
• Working knowledge of workforce service programs  
• Proficiency in the use of all Microsoft Office programs. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Must possess and provide a valid Driver`s License with proof of insurance. 
• Access to a vehicle with insurance and valid Illinois Drivers License 
• Must be willing to travel and work a flexible hours required. 
 
REQUIRED SCREENINGS/CHECKS: 
 
1) Drug screen 
2) Background Check 
3) Driver’s Record 
 
**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**