SUMMER EMPLOYMENT COORDINATOR

Description

The Summer Employment Coordinator will oversee and manage the Summer Youth Employment Learning Program (SYELP), which provides summer employment opportunities for youth ages 14-18. The coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact for all program activities, including relationship development, worksite coordination, administrative duties, and overall management of summer interns. This individual will work closely with OPP Program Directors and other team members to ensure that SYELP meets its goals and provides youth participants with an impactful, hands-on learning experience. 

Key Responsibilities:

Program Oversight and Coordination

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Summer Youth Employment Learning Program (SYELP), ensuring the program is implemented according to plan.
• Develop and execute schedules, timelines, and work assignments for youth participants, ensuring program objectives are met.
• Coordinate the recruitment, onboarding, and training of summer interns, ensuring both contract compliance and youth readiness. 
• Ensure that all program activities, outcomes, and expectations are clearly communicated to youth participants, worksites, and other stakeholders.

Relationship Development

• Establish and maintain relationships with local employers, community partners, and worksites to secure appropriate job placements for youth participants.
• Build strong partnerships with employers to ensure a positive and productive experience for both youth and worksites.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for youth participants and their families, providing support and resources as needed.

Worksite Development and Management

• Identify, secure, and maintain worksite placements that align with youth participants' interests, career goals, and developmental needs.
• Facilitate regular check-ins and site visits to ensure employer partners receive adequate support and ensuring the necessary guidance/support for youth.
• Collaborate with worksites to provide feedback and ensure proper supervision and guidance for youth participants.

Administrative Duties

• Track and maintain accurate records of participant information, worksite assignments, attendance, and performance evaluations.
• Prepare reports on program activities, outcomes, and feedback from participants and employers.
• Collaborate with worksites to ensure youth attendance is accurately documented and youth timesheets are turned in on time for payroll processing.
• Process participant stipends and other financial administration in collaboration with program staff.
• Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted on time for youth participants, worksites, and program reporting.

Youth Supervision and Support

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to youth participants, helping them develop work-related skills, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.
• Address and resolve any challenges or issues that arise with youth during the program, offering guidance and solutions as needed.
• Conduct regular check-ins with youth to provide ongoing feedback and ensure that their needs are met throughout the summer.

Program Evaluation and Feedback

• Collect feedback from youth participants and employers to assess the success of the program and identify areas for improvement.
• Participate in planning and executing end-of-program evaluations, celebrations, and feedback sessions with participants, employers, and program staff.
• Assist with reporting and reviewing program outcomes to demonstrate program effectiveness and success.

Other Duties

• Attend professional development sessions to stay up to date with best practices in youth employment programs and workforce development.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the summer employment program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, human services, business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years of experience working/supervising youth development and workforce development, or related fields, with at least 1 year of experience in program coordination or management.
• Strong knowledge of youth employment programs, job readiness, and worksite development.
• Experience working with youth, particularly ages 14-18, and underserved populations.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and administrative skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with youth, families, employers, and community partners.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a positive and flexible attitude.
• Driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred:

• Previous experience working in the Hartford, CT area or with local employers.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.