Position Summary: PODER’s Youth Workforce Development Instructor & Advisor will play a central role in delivering high-quality workforce programming that supports youth and young adult participants ages 18 to 24 in developing foundational skills, exploring career pathways, and preparing for entry-level employment.
This role focuses on classroom instruction and individualized advising, supporting individuals through an accelerated pathway that integrates digital skills, financial literacy, career exploration, and customer service training. The Instructor & Advisor will build strong relationships with participants, provide consistent guidance, and help youth translate their learning into clear next steps for education and employment.
This is a full-time, salaried position reporting to the IE & WFD Manager.
Primary Responsibilities:
Training & Classroom Instruction
● Deliver at least three workforce development cohorts per year of 15-20 individuals designed for youth participants using PODER’s accelerated pathway model
● Facilitate instruction across core content areas, including digital skills and technology use, financial literacy and money management, career exploration and workplace readiness, and customer service training
● Create an engaging, supportive, and structured classroom environment that promotes participation and skill-building
● Incorporate interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and project-based learning into instruction Training Preparation & Execution
● Design lesson plans, activities, and assessments that build practical, job-ready skills and refine pre-existing curricular modules
● Integrate career awareness and exploration throughout all stages of instruction
● Align curriculum with entry-level employment expectations, particularly in customer service role
● Conduct outings and field trips with trainees
● Prepare materials and resources needed for each cohort, including digital tools and instructional supports
Student Advising & Career Planning
● Conduct regular one-on-one advising sessions with participants to explore career interests and goals, develop individualized career plans, and identify strengths and areas for growth
● Support participants in building confidence, goal-setting skills, and decision-making abilities
● Provide guidance on next steps, including additional training, education, or employment opportunities
● Offer ongoing support during and after program participation to encourage persistence and follow-through
Participant Support & Program Delivery
● Provide consistent check-ins and support to promote attendance, engagement, and completion
● Identify and respond to barriers impacting participation, in coordination with WFD staff
● Facilitate a positive learning environment that emphasizes respect, accountability, and growth
● Support participants in developing professional behaviors and workplace expectations
Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
● Track participant progress, skill development, and completion of program milestones
● Collaborate with team members to document outcomes and participant feedback
● Contribute to program improvement by identifying what is working and where adjustments are needed
● Support data collection efforts related to participant outcomes and program effectiveness
Qualifications and Skills:
- Experience working with youth / young adults in an educational, workforce, or community-based setting
- Strong instructional and facilitation skills
- Ability to build rapport and trust with participants from diverse backgrounds
- Experience with career coaching, advising, or mentoring preferred
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Bilingual in Spanish a plus
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Salary commensurate with experience. Benefit package includes health insurance subsidy and simple 401(k) company match. Generous holiday schedule and flexible accrued PTO for vacation, personal and sick days.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
It is the policy of PODER to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, PODER will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- working with jobseekers: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
