Youth Employment Specialist

The Youth Employment Specialist plays a critical role in Capital Workforce Partners’ commitment to creating inclusive career pathways and expanding economic opportunity across our communities. As part of the Programs Team, this position supports in-school youth served under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) who are referred by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS). The Specialist manages a caseload of youth participants, ensuring access to all 14 WIOA program elements, and delivers hands-on guidance focused on job preparation, skill-building, and long-term success in the workforce. Through strong partnerships with BRS jobseekers, employers, community-based organizations, and local school districts, this role helps connect education to employment and real-world opportunity for youth and adults. This is a grant-funded position through March 31, 2027, offering the opportunity to make measurable, lasting impact in the Capital Region.

Case Management & Compliance

• Manage a caseload of WIOA In-School Youth (ISY) participants referred by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS).
• Provide ongoing support, follow-up, and service coordination to assigned participants.
• Ensure each participant receives access to all 14 required WIOA youth program elements.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation of services, progress, and outcomes in CT Hires.
• Ensure compliance with WIOA, CTDOL, and grant reporting requirements.

Program Coordination & Service Delivery

• Coordinate and deliver comprehensive employment, education, and training services aligned with participant career goals and WIOA objectives.
• Facilitate access to WIOA program elements, including work readiness training, career exploration, occupational skills training, internships, and supportive services.
• Collaborate with local school districts and community-based organizations to deliver youth- and adult-centered programming.
• Monitor participant progress and engagement; adjust service plans to support successful outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Workforce Integration

• Build and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and training providers to support job placements and work-based learning opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison between BRS, participants, employers, and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Support career pathway development by connecting participants to labor market information, credentialing opportunities, and industry-specific resources.
• Promote collaboration across partners to improve job placement and retention outcomes.

Enrollment, Assessment & Individual Planning

• Conduct intake and eligibility assessments for BRS-referred in-school youth and adult jobseekers.
• Guide participants through the enrollment process in alignment with WIOA and CTDOL policies.
• Collect, verify, and maintain required eligibility and enrollment documentation.
• Develop and maintain Individual Service Strategies (ISS) aligned with participant education and employment goals.
• Identify barriers to employment and coordinate appropriate supportive services, including accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Data Management & Performance Tracking

• Enter and maintain accurate records of services, outcomes, and participant progress in CT Hires.
• Prepare case notes, progress reports, and documentation for monitoring and audit purposes.
• Track benchmarks, performance metrics, and required follow-ups to ensure timely completion and compliance.

Team & Organizational Contribution

• Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and cross-program initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support continuous improvement of youth services.
• Stay current on WIOA regulations, policy updates, and workforce development best practices.
• Engage in professional development activities to enhance service delivery and program outcomes.

Competencies

• Case Management
• Workforce Development
• Youth Employment and Career Readiness Services
• Data Entry, Documentation, and Compliance
• Knowledge of WIOA Youth Program Elements
• Labor Market and Career Pathway Awareness
• Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Counseling, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred
• Applicants with extensive, directly related experience in workforce development, case management, or youth services may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Experience providing case management services required
• Experience working with youth populations required
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities preferred
• Experience in workforce development, employment services, education, or training programs preferred
• Familiarity with WIOA, CTDOL reporting requirements, or performance-driven grant programs preferred

Supervision

• This position does not have supervisory or management responsibility.

Special Working Conditions

• Grant-funded position through March 31, 2027
• This direct service position requires an in-office presence five (5) days per week to bolster case management responsibilities
• Occasional local travel may be required for meetings, school visits, employer engagement, or participant support
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and meet established performance benchmarks and deadlines