Ed/Voc Specialist - BRAG Restore

The Ed/Voc Specialist works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide educational, vocational, workforce development, and life-skills support to young adults ages 16–25 who have been identified as being at high risk of engaging in serious violence. The Specialist will work closely with Case Managers, the Program Director, community partners, employers, workforce providers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to help participants identify and achieve short- and long-term educational and career goals.

What You Will Do

The Specialist will help participants identify and pursue longer-term career pathways, credentials, education, training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities consistent with their interests and strengths. The Specialist will also conduct ongoing vocational assessments, develop and maintain relationships with employers and workforce development organizations, and facilitate interactive weekly life and job-skills workshops.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The Specialist will work in a culturally responsive manner and support programming offered in both English and Spanish, as appropriate. The Specialist will also provide participants with support, information, and linkages to educational and vocational programs in the community, including GED programs, credentialing programs, apprenticeships, job training, internships, employment services, and higher education opportunities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or two years of experience in community work, workforce development, education, vocational services, youth development, or community-centered activities related to the duties described above
• In-depth knowledge of educational, vocational, employment, and workforce-development processes
• Experience providing employment, educational, vocational, or career-development services to youth and/or young adults
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with employers, educational institutions, workforce-development providers, community-based organizations, and public agencies
• Demonstrated ability to perform effective community outreach and mobilize community resources and partnerships
• Experience and knowledge of working with at-risk youth and young adults, including individuals who may be involved in or at risk of involvement in the criminal legal system and/or violence
• Demonstrated ability to engage young people through a strength-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centered approach
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and collaboratively with program participants, staff, employers, educational providers, community partners, and other stakeholders
• Ability to facilitate interactive workshops and provide individualized coaching and support
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficiency with computers, databases, electronic documentation systems, and common office applications
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as required by program operations and participant needs
• Ability to travel throughout the Bronx and surrounding communities using public transportation and to conduct community outreach as required
• Ability to walk extended distances and navigate community-based settings
• Ability to pass required background and employment screenings
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic violence, consistent with agency requirements
• Criminal justice history and/or lived experience with the communities served is preferred, provided the candidate meets all applicable employment and supervision requirements
• Strong commitment to working toward positive community change and supporting young people at risk of violence involvement
• Bilingual Spanish-English preferred
• Valid, clean NYS driver’s license strongly preferred
• Commitment to working from a strength-based, trauma-informed youth and family development perspective
• Commitment to Good Shepherd Services’ mission, vision, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community wellness

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 35 hours/week, non-exempt
• Benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development