youthOPPORTUNITIES! Personal Growth Advisor

The Ashtabula youthOPPORTUNITIES! Program is a community-based program in Ashtabula County that offers participants year-round access to a wide variety of services depending on their personal needs. Our focus is placed on youth who either need help to successfully continue in school and graduate or who need assistance completing their high-school equivalency (GED) while getting and keeping a job and becoming more self-sufficient. 

PAY: $16.50 per hour

Responsibilities:

• Provide support and guidance to at-risk youth in Ashtabula County with decreasing barriers to employment and education.
• Responsible for delivering Comprehensive Client Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP) elements and other youth services as per agency funding agreements.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to youth, fostering a supportive and empowering atmosphere.
• Provide intensive case management to program participants. Assist participants in building their strengths and removing or reducing barriers to achieving their training and employment goals.
• Provide comprehensive guidance to promote growth in each participant’s educational, personal, social & employability skills. Provide information and referral to community resources as needed, including mental health or substance abuse services when indicated.
• Collaborate with the program team to assess participant needs and tailor programs accordingly.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Assist in the development of program materials and resources.
• Provide tutoring and study skills training in areas identified as deficient in accordance with the participant’s service plan. Coordinate with secondary schools, alternative schools, GED services and post-secondary training institutions as needed.
• Provide group and/or individual instruction using program curriculum. This may include, but is not limited to, financial literacy education, entrepreneurial skills training, leadership & citizenship training, healthy behaviors, life skills and pre-employment skills. Instruction is based on participant’s assessment results and their Individual Opportunity Plan (IOP).
• Provide group and individual leadership opportunities that help participants learn teamwork and other positive social behaviors.
• Identify supportive service needs and coordinate assistance as appropriate.
• Serve as a liaison for the participant to the agency, funding source(s) and community resources and systems as necessary for participant’s program success. Make timely referrals as needed and track progress.
• Market the program to eligible participants, referral resources, potential worksites and area employers.
• Recruit guest speakers on various topics of interest to participants.
• Plan and lead career exploration opportunities to benefit program participant’s career development.
• Meet or exceed the goals and performance standards of agency and funding source(s). Including preparing and submitting required reports on a timely basis.
• Abide by all applicable agency, local, state and federal regulations or guidelines affecting the program and program participants.
• Prepare and maintain case notes in compliance with funder requirements for each participant documenting all services, goals, barriers and accomplishments.
• Conduct follow-up and complete follow-up case notes in compliance with funder requirements.
• Assist in development of worksites throughout the service area.
• Place youth in worksites and monitor sites in compliance with minor labor laws and funder requirements.
• Attend scheduled meetings and authorized trainings.
• Plan and facilitate interactive and educational workshops and activities for youth in areas such as career training and exploration, leadership development, and life skills.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, guest speakers, and volunteers to enhance program offerings.
• Create a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages active participation and collaboration among youth participants.
• Other related duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work or related field preferred.
• Experience – Three (3) years related experience in teaching, counseling or working with young adults 14 to 24 preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Able to engage at-risk youth & young adults in classroom and individual instruction.
• Able to work with, and be sensitive to, the needs of low income and diverse populations in a non-judgmental way.
• Group facilitation, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Google Suites, E-mail, texting & social media.
• Able to work both independently, with considerable self-direction, and as a contributing member of a team.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability & willingness to comply with agency and funding source(s) performance standards.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position to jenna.call@atech.edu