Job Description
Position Title:
Full-time SkillUp Career Navigator for Southeast Region
General Statement of Duties:
The Skill Up: Career, Technical and Workforce Training, and Employment Services Initiative
(SkillUp) is a program developed by the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and managed by
Commonwealth Corporation to deliver high-quality career development, technical training and workforce programming and services that are aligned with local labor market needs within or across the five DYS geographic regions in Massachusetts. The initiative aims to reduce recidivism for DYS youth through the provision of high-quality services leading to employment with benefits at family sustaining wages. Additionally, the initiative seeks to reduce employment barriers and provide career, technical and workforce training that improves opportunities and reduces access and engagement barriers for youth as they transition back to the community from their residential treatment programs. The SER-Jobs SkillUp initiative covers
the Greater Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro, Brockton, Randolph areas and
Cape Cod.
Responsibilities:
- Provide continuum wide career navigation support to youth committed to The
Department of Youth Services from assessment through discharge: o Execute assessments (provided by CommCorp) o Develop and maintain Career Plan (provided by CommCorp) o Develop and coordinate initial Empower Your Future (EYF) Playlist (list of units/activities in career, life, and education skills curriculum most relevant to that youth, to advise residential EYF staff of where to start personalized instruction)
- Build authentic professional trauma informed relationships with youth.
- Work with and execute a variety of different assessments that inform a youth’s career trajectory
- Work with the Empower Your Future curriculum to inform and develop a continuously evolving career plan
- Monitor participation in career related services, and coordinate with other caring adults to ensure activities are related to a youth’s career plan. These services will include, but will not be limited to the following: o EYF o Work programs (including application, interview, performance evaluations; check in with instructor; onboarding, paystub and banking assistance) o Activities provided by Education Services (certifications and other post-grad opportunities related to career) o Opportunities provided by Partner (certifications, virtual programming, etc.)
- Coordinate opportunities for youth that are provided by Commonwealth Corporation, single service providers, partner agencies, educational services, and work programs
- Accurately keep timely data and track participation in a variety of databases.
- Attend 90/60/30-day transition planning meetings while youth are in facilities to continue to inform the career plan and connect with other caring adults to help inform the plan.
- Attend biweekly district office meetings with community casework staff to ensure coordination of career services.
- Attend statewide Career Navigation meetings hosted by CommCorp
- Develop placement opportunities (MassHire, subsidized and unsubsidized employment, internships, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and other career related opportunities
- Requires travel between locations within the Southeast service area
- Adhere to SER-Jobs’ mission
- Any other duties that arise
Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in education, counseling, job development, social work, criminal justice, or related field preferred
- Teaching/Counseling experience is a plus
- Knowledge of social service/community agency practices
- Willingness to work with challenged client populations
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Flexibility and patience
- Willingness to transport participants if necessary
- Basic knowledge of MS Office computer applications
Reports to:
SkillUp Coordinator
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $41,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person