CAREER COACH

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Youth Justice Network (formerly known as Friends of Island Academy) was founded in 1990 on the school floors of Rikers Island to anchor, support and develop capacity among young people newly released from jail in New York City. Our mission is to break cycles of incarceration and build an equitable justice system by providing young people with individualized advocacy, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead. Youth Justice Network builds on connections developed with young people whose lives have intersected with the justice system, and leverages those relationships to provide post-release, neighborhood-based supportive services. Young people become members of Youth Justice Network for the long-term and develop personal milestones and goals in the arenas of health and well-being, education, employment, youth leadership and community participation.

POSITION BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

We are looking for an innovative and compassionate Career Coach to join YJN’s Career Services team. The ideal candidate will come with a passion career readiness and commitment to the personal growth of youth and emerging adults. We are looking for an innovative, creative, and independent thinker who can think outside of the box.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

Co-create and forge individual Pathways to work and career:

• Serve as a Career Path guide, providing information on and exposure to suitable career paths that align with young peoples’ skills, interests, and experiences. Assist them in recognizing their strengths and how to leverage these effectively in their pursuit of employment. 
• Work with young people to craft impactful resumes and ensure they are well-prepared to discuss their qualifications during interviews. Provide comprehensive instruction on job search strategies and interviewing techniques. 
•  Tailor coaching to young adults who likely have limited work history and educational perseverance, helping them navigate their transition into the professional workplace and pursue professional growth. 

Facilitate workshops and opportunities for career exposure and placement

• Deliver both group and individualized support in areas such as goal setting, decision-making, job readiness, and essential life skills.
• Facilitate visits to a range of workplaces, exposing young people to educational and training opportunities that lead to achievable next steps and to expanding their view of possibilities.
• Actively participate in and support the one-week/three-day job readiness workshops held twice during each cycle, typically on the first and fourth days. 
• Employ a tailored approach to strategically place justice-involved youth into internships and sustainable job opportunities while facilitating any necessary re-placement services. 
• Focus on workforce development for at-risk youth aged 18-24, providing tailored support to help them transition into the workforce. Develop and implement programs that enhance their employability and career prospects 

Partner with internal and external resources centering young people and their goals

• Work in tandem with YJN colleagues to integrate existing supports and services aligned with youth member goals, aspirations and needs
• Identify and connect with external resources and partners to navigate barriers to achievement, clear pathways to achievement, and build self-efficacy among youth members in their pathways to work and career.
• Ensure thorough documentation of job and career related data including placement and retention outcomes and collaborate with YJN’s Data Team to maintain integrity of internal and external reporting.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required and relevant experience working with youth and emerging adults population;
• Two years experience working in employment readiness and workforce development
• Understanding of current and future job market and career trends
• Integrity, flexibility and a profound commitment to the youth we serve;
• Committed to working collegially and in a team-based setting;
• Experience/training in youth development;
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and an understanding and belief in strengths-based youth development philosophy;
• Strong oral and written communication skills; • Skilled in meticulous documentation and an eye for detail; proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in data entry on online database systems or a willingness to learn online database

systems;

• Physical ability to travel extensively throughout the five boroughs and Rikers via walking and public transportation.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required for youth development activities/events

Preferred

• Experience youth and young adults who are systems involved (i.e. juvenile justice, child welfare, etc.);
• Experience working in a community-based setting providing crisis support and/or case management;
• Experience in education, conflict resolution, and/or counseling;
• Experience with or understanding of trauma-informed practices;
• Bilingual; Spanish preferred

Salary Range: 50-55k

For purposes of internal equity, we are unable to go outside of the salary posted.