Career Coach

Job DescriptionJob Description

PORTLAND YOUTHBUILDERS

Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) operates an alternative high school and job-training program with the mission to support low-income young adults, ages 17-24, who are committed to changing their lives to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the workforce and their community. At PYB, students complete high school with a GED or diploma and develop marketable employment skills by learning to build affordable housing from the ground up or learning tech skills through teaching classes to seniors and other community members.

PYB is deeply committed to continuously working to make our organization a more equitable and just place for both students and staff. As it is written in our equity statement: At PYB, we believe that communities are strengthened when diversity is honored. We believe we have a responsibility to interrupt and confront inequity. At PYB, we commit to continuously reflect and challenge the ways in which we, as a community, and as individuals, perpetuate inequity. It is not only vital to our students’ success but essential to our purpose.

The ideal employee will be committed to our mission and equity statement, and will be inspired by working with young people from diverse backgrounds as they transform their lives through learning and service.

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Career Advocate is a member of the Counseling & Career Services Department working to promote students’ career readiness.  The Career Advocate will provide comprehensive career coaching to students to help them make informed career choices, develop an individualized career plan including post-secondary goals, and provide long-term support through their success in career-aligned employment. Career coaching is provided to students in one-on-one meetings and in group settings-both in person and remotely, using phone, email, Zoom, social media and other communication tools. Assist in developing curriculum for Career Exploration classes. Identify student barriers to long-term success, and work with the Student Resource Advocate to secure needed resources and address needs. Work closely with other departments (teachers, trainers) to support students as they develop the knowledge, skills and habits necessary for success in post-secondary education, training, and careers.

Reports to: Counseling and Career Services Manager

Employment Status: Regular, Exempt 

Schedule: 40 hours/week – 8:00am – 5:00pm

Salary: $54,000 - $62,000/year DOE 

Benefits: Seven weeks paid vacation per year during PYB closures -4 weeks Summer Break, 2 weeks Winter Break, and 1 week Spring Break; most state recognized holidays paid; 12 days per year Personal Time Off; $700/month added to salary for Section 125 cafeteria plan to cover employee’s health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, and/or retirement savings;  dollar-for-dollar employer match for retirement contributions up to 3% of salary with immediate vesting; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; dynamic environment with great team of students and staff.

Application Closes: Open until filled      

 

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

• Support young people aged 17 – 24 in career exploration, barrier removal, and job placement
• Support students with employment readiness opportunities including work experiences, job shadows, informational interviews, and job fairs
• Assist current and alumni students with placement in employment and/or post-secondary education/training including:
  • Career Exploration 
  • Creation of resume, cover letter and other career related forms
  • Practice filling out applications (short and long form, paper and online)
  • Employment search  
• Develop and facilitate Career Services class content to include career exploration, resume writing, interview strategy, career pathways planning, etc.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partners (construction apprenticeships, colleges, employers, internships) in service of student placement support and success
• Provide ongoing, long-term post-placement support to alumni

• Develop an individualized career plan and schedule with each student

• Provide comprehensive orientation to construction apprenticeships, colleges, employers, internships, including tours and orientations and support through the application processes

• Identify students’ resource needs to address barriers to high school completion, career readiness and health
• Participate in cross-departmental Case Management teams with a focus on career readiness and a student’s transition from PYB into postsecondary education, training, and/or employment
• Assist students with short- and long-term planning for their future
• Maintain student records and fulfill all responsibilities as a Case Management team member
• Write case notes and keep Case Management team members informed about important student conversations, academic plans, goals, and achievements

General:

• Support with organizational outreach efforts and cross-departmental projects/initiatives

• Attend staff meetings and department meetings and all-staff professional development opportunities

 

QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Education, Social Work, Workforce Development or a related field 
• Experience working and developing relationships with low-income and minority populations
• Minimum of 2 years in workforce development or student support services
• Class/workshop facilitation and curriculum development experience
• Experience helping students set goals and work toward their completion, as well as assessing student needs
• Strong computer skills (database entry, spreadsheets, email correspondence, etc.)
• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to transport students for field trips, hiring events, etc. in PYB vehicles

• Ability to pass fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check and drug screening (including THC)
• Experience communicating with technology (e.g.- Zoom, Google Meet, etc)
• Relationships with post-secondary institutions and/or employers (including construction and/or technology institutions) a plus

 

Additional preferred job skills:

• Ability to inspire and motivate young people
• Ability to create and optimize systems 
• Culturally competent practice; willing to engage in conversations about race and gender
• Ability to develop one-on-one relationships with students from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize, plan and organize
• Effective problem prevention and problem solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Self-starter and independent thinker
• Commitment to professional growth
• Capacity to collaborate with colleagues in order to facilitate student success
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

• Ability to improvise and work through uncertainties

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Our selection process entails:

1.       Application

·       Cover letter

·       Resume

2.     Interview - You will be asked to meet with our hiring team for a semi-structured interview. You are encouraged to ask us any questions about the position and PYB at this time.

To apply: email resume and cover letter to Allison Callahan, Counseling and Career Services Manager, at Allison.callahan@pybpdx.org.   Applications will be reviewed as they arrive until the position is filled. Please send your cover letter and resume as attachments (Word or PDF).  No phone calls or visits please.  For more information, visit our website at www.pybpdx.org.

Portland YouthBuilders’ mission connects us to people and communities across Portland.  We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, disability, veteran status, or any other classifications applicable by law.  Portland YouthBuilders is committed to the diversity of our people, programs and services.  The organization acts affirmatively in the employment and advancement of qualified people of color.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY1-800-735-2900. 

PYB employees and full-time volunteers must successfully complete a criminal background and drug test check prior to employment.  Portland YouthBuilders is a Drug Free Workplace and adheres to the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act.   Portland YouthBuilders’ students and staff are subject to random drug tests.

·       This program is funded 25% through a federal award of $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor – ETA for the YouthBuild Program Initiative.

·       This program financed in part with funds provided through Worksystems, Inc. from the U.S. Department of Labor, the City of Portland, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

·       PYB is an AmeriCorps program and students who are AmeriCorps members are eligible for an education award.

Company DescriptionOur mission is to support young people who are committed to changing their lives to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the workforce and community.

For many young people, the path to success in life is neither straight nor clear. Portland YouthBuilders offers hope and a second chance at success for young people whose experiences with poverty, violence, drugs, hunger, and loss have interrupted their route to success. Serving over 200 students a year, we offer a program of high school completion, vocational training, counseling, and long term support that helps youth build a new path and a clear vision of success filled with pride, leadership, and commitment to community.Company DescriptionOur mission is to support young people who are committed to changing their lives to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the workforce and community.\r
\r
For many young people, the path to success in life is neither straight nor clear. Portland YouthBuilders offers hope and a second chance at success for young people whose experiences with poverty, violence, drugs, hunger, and loss have interrupted their route to success. Serving over 200 students a year, we offer a program of high school completion, vocational training, counseling, and long term support that helps youth build a new path and a clear vision of success filled with pride, leadership, and commitment to community.

---