Open Positions:

Youth Empowerment Advocate - This is a salaried non-exempt position that reports directly to the Programs Manager. Applicants may apply by submitting a resume and letter of interest to Sabina Zolota at sabina.zolota@workforceeconomics.org. Deadline to apply is by 4:30pm February 28th, 2012.

Position Summary:

Youth Empowerment Advocate (YEA) will work in all aspects of the youth program under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

YEA is responsible for outreach and recruitment, eligibility determination, registration, enrollment, assessment, employability development, goal setting and attainment, case management, program services, training, work experience, mentoring, supportive services, placement and post program follow-up activities.

YEA provides services to youth program participants, ensures program performance, monitors accuracy of records, and makes certain that programs are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. YEA will also serve as a liaison between the partnering agencies to develop successful relationships and foster on-going service collaboration for the benefit of youth program participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate in-school and out-of-school youth activities, as allowable under the Workforce Investment Act, to ensure quality services and programs.

• Trains, guides, and works with staff, including partner agencies and schools, in-program eligibility and documentation, registration completion and paperwork requirements, pre-site and on-site inspections, reporting and data-maintenance requirements.

• Recruits employers appropriate for work experience, job shadowing, and permanent placement of youth program participants in accordance with their interests, aptitudes and goals to prepare them for future "in-demand" careers.

• As part of YouCaN (Youth Career Network) develops and implements workshops, activities, and events to promote career development, vocational awareness, labor-market preparation, continued education or training, and leadership development opportunities.

• Collaborates with co-workers to prepare youth for Career Fastrack Events (brief, timed, Q&A interactive learning experience with industry representatives for career exploration).

• Maintains thorough and updated knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and policies governing the WIA programs and a general knowledge of related programs.

• Ensures accuracy and timeliness of all activity paperwork, including registration, enrollment, activity reporting, case notes, assessment results, ISS development, pre-employment forms, time sheets, payroll records, customer satisfaction surveys, and post program follow-up data.

• Coordinates accurate program data tracking utilizing the ASSET and PAS systems and submits timely reports.

• Monitors progress towards and ensures attainment of the contracted performance measures for In School and Out of School Youth.

• Attends Best Practice meetings, when applicable, solicits staff input towards quality improvements, and to resolve issues.

• Networks with community agencies and partner programs to leverage supportive services for youth program participants, including income maintenance, health services, professional counseling, transportation, child care, and any services identified as necessary to successfully complete program.

• Works in the community, conducting outreach, to promote the youth program and recruit eligible youth. May work at off site locations such as High Schools, libraries, or Community centers to provide services to registered youth on a regular basis.

• Must have flexible schedule and be willing to work evenings to meet the needs of the participants or for special events.

• Must be able and willing to conduct home visits for establishing and maintaining contact with youth participants and their families.

• Assists with the development, implementation and promotion of outreach efforts for WIA Youth Programs.

• Other duties as assigned.