Youth Employment and Career Specialist
GENERAL SUMMARY:
This position is equally focused on job and career support for refugee youth between the ages of 16-24, evenly divided between two roles, Refugee College and Career Specialist and Youth Employment Specialist.
The employee will assist young adult clients (ages 16-24) in locating employment. Through the Youth Employment Program, the Specialist works with the client to overcome barriers to employability and coordinates job search and follow-up activities. The employee has to maintain ongoing relationships with existing employers as well as to constantly search for new employers who would provide jobs to clients, with a focus on part time and summer employment which are suitable for refugee youth.
In the college and career readiness program, the employee will provide services for school-aged students and young adult refugees. The employee will work with the staff on the Youth Team to address barriers to academic and career success by planning and implementing skill-based workshops, field trips, and activities.
In keeping with the mission, vision, and Catholic identity of Catholic Charities of Louisville, the MRS Employment Services Coordinator demonstrates the Welcome, Empower, and Strengthen values of the agency.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:
Youth Employment and Career Program:
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Collaborate with other Employment Specialists to support youth in their job search and placement. This includes identifying appropriate part-time and summer opportunities aligned with employment goals; providing referrals to openings; assisting with applications and interviews; and supporting pre-employment requirements such as physical exams, drug screenings, transportation arrangements, and new hire paperwork.
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Coordinate and document employer outreach efforts, with a focus on engaging businesses that can meet the unique needs of refugee youth participants.
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Maintain consistent communication with youth participants through diverse channels, including social media, text, phone calls, and other accessible methods.
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Design, organize, and facilitate soft skills training for youth on employment-related topics such as digital communication, interview preparation, time management, and workplace expectations.
College and Career Readiness Program
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Organize regular youth development workshops and career-focused activities for mentoring participants and young adult refugees.
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Work directly with young adult refugees to provide exposure and opportunities that help them explore interests, gain knowledge, and build skills for long-term success.
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Develop and maintain collaborations with local community agencies and organizations that offer youth development services aligned with the needs and interests of our clients.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
EFFORT:
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Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
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Ability to work under pressure
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Ability to travel frequently within the community
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Ability to accurately examine and analyze information
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A bachelor’s degree in Vocational Services, Social Work, Education or a related field is required.
Experience in job placement, youth programming, social work, or the provision of other services in the refugee community is also preferred
SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
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Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in an effective manner
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Knowledge of a relevant language in addition to English is preferred but not required.
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Must be people oriented and relate to varied ethnic populations
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Must have good organizational and research skills
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Must be able to multi-task and be detail-oriented
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Must have a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and be willing to use personal vehicle in driving to various locations within the service area
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Public speaking experience preferred
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Must have proficient PC skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
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The incumbent must be able to maintain the confidentiality of any information she/he encounters.
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Ability to read, write and understand the English language
Catholic Charities of Louisville (CCL) is the social-service arm of the Archdiocese of Louisville (ADOL). We provide help and create hope for the poor and vulnerable through a wide range of programs, assisting clients of all races, backgrounds and beliefs. Our service area includes 24 counties throughout Central Kentucky.
