YOUTH CAREER PLANNER

YOUTH CAREER PLANNER

Forward Careers, Inc. is seeking a mission-driven, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Youth Career Planner. This role focuses on guiding youth and young adults, especially those facing barriers to employment, toward educational achievement, job readiness, and long-term career success in Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties. Bilingual ability is a plus.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about empowering youth to gain meaningful skills, connect to employment, and build brighter futures through individualized career guidance and training support.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The WIOA Youth Program, Independent Living Program, and other youth-serving initiatives are designed to help individuals aged 16 - 24 who may be disconnected from school or work, in or aging out of foster care, or facing other life challenges. These programs aim to support:

• Career exploration and career pathway planning


• Job readiness and soft skill development


• Access to education (GED/HSED or post-secondary)


• Internships, on-the-job training, and work experiences


• Job placement and long-term employment support

As a Youth Career Planner, you’ll provide comprehensive career services to help participants prepare for and connect with in-demand jobs and training aligned with their strengths and goals.

YOUR IMPACT: WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Community Outreach: Promote youth programs in the community; conduct presentations and outreach to schools, shelters, and youth-serving agencies.


• Assess and Enroll: Determine program eligibility; assess participants' interests, skills, and barriers.


• Develop Career & Education Plans: Use assessments and one-on-one coaching to guide participants in setting and pursuing goals.


• Support Skill-Building: Offer resume assistance, mock interviews, job readiness workshops, and referrals to training or education programs.


• Connect to Employment: Coordinate internships, job shadowing, OJT, and placement into in-demand jobs.


• Coordinate with Partners: Collaborate with education providers, employers, foster care agencies, and others to support youth development.


• Maintain Records: Accurately track participant progress, case notes, and outcomes in required systems.


• Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational goals and evolving program needs.

The above lists are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this position. They are not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, psychology, or related field preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted.


• Experience in case management, career coaching, workforce development, or youth services.


• Ability to work effectively with underrepresented and diverse youth populations.


• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and commitment to positive youth development.


• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other) preferred but not required.

WHY JOIN FORWARD CAREERS?

Forward Careers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with over 30 years of experience delivering workforce development services throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Our mission is to develop a thriving workforce by being the preferred source for career exploration, education and skill training, and employment connections to every person and business. We operate at the intersection of social impact and economic growth, helping people and employers succeed together.

Website: www.forwardcareers.org

Most Recent Annual Report: forwardcareers-annualreport

POSITION DETAILS

• Work Hours: 40 hours/week, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Occasional evenings required.


• Primary Office: Waukesha


• Additional Locations: While the primary office is located at the Waukesha, this position also requires regular travel our West Bend and Grafton office locations, as needed based on job responsibilities. Work-related travel is reimbursed.


• Pay Range: $20.00 – $25.00/hour


• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, 11 paid holidays, summer hours, short/long-term disability, and life insurance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Forward Careers is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.