YouthBuild Program Specialist (Personal Services)

COMPANY OVERVIEW

At Volunteers of America Chesapeake, we provide services in MD, DC, VA and the Carolina's, we are an affiliate under the Volunteers of America National Organization. As a whole, Volunteers of America is more than a non-profit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes more than 16,000 employees nationwide and more than 70,000 volunteers working together to help individuals who need our help the most. We firmly believe that our employees drive the success of the organization. With success in mind as the ultimate goal, we strive to create and provide an environment that offers challenging, stimulating and financially rewarding opportunities. Our tag line is “Helping America's most vulnerable”.

JOB SUMMARY

Employee reports to the Program Director (PD) and will provide support for the YouthBuild program/staff; work closely with the PD during the planning phase to coordinate ramp-up efforts for YouthBuild marketing and recruitment; maintain a participant database, file system and streamline office processes for efficiency; will assist with staff and partner communication, procurements, meeting coordination and minutes, provide support for participants, PD, and staff; track outputs, record and distribute meeting minutes, prepare cyclical reports as needed by the PD and help to streamline program efficiency. As the Job Developer, employee will stay informed of workforce trends/updates and work with employers/educators to develop employment/training opportunities youth aligned with their preferences; provide linkage to apprenticeships, advanced training programs, and OJT/employment placement for YouthBuild graduates.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide administrative support for program staff. May include knowledge and use of database systems, evaluation tools, and developing program reports.
• Collect and maintain data-based statistical information and accurately input information into HMIS or other records as requested.
• Assist program staff in locating community resources that will benefit program participants
• Arrange training, coordinate staff meeting and Project Management Team meeting and compose and distribute minutes of those meetings. •
• Accept and direct phone calls to appropriate parties.
• Assist with completion of necessary paperwork and reports.
• Attend trainings as applicable and necessary to perform job functions.
• Ensure confidentiality of records and attain signed
• Assess personal needs of YouthBuild participants and help get resources to meet their needs.
• Provide individual and group Leadership seminars to YouthBuild participants.
• Meet with trainees at regular intervals to assess their job and career goals, or immediate work needs.
• Plan and organize job search skills workshops including interviewing, résumé preparation, and other skills; organize career exploration and motivation activities.
• Market the program to potential employers; develop and make presentations about YouthBuild.
• Ensure that trainees are prepared before going to job interviews, and conduct follow-up assessments.
• Connect trainees with viable job opportunities; follow up after placement.
• With the direction of the YouthBuild Program Director, Program Specialist will meet regularly with staff to develop and maintain a consistent approach to supporting and expanding the personal growth and leadership skills of young people.
• Identify cultural, political, and social events or activities that may take place after work hours, and organize youth participation in such events.
• Keep service records of contacts with youth.

REQUIREMENTS

• Four-year degree in the Human Services field with a focus in counseling, psychology, or related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified associate in project management (CAPM) a plus.
• Strong commitment to helping young people succeed in an innovative training program to reorient their lives and nurture their leadership skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively to a multiracial and multicultural group of young people.
• Knowledge of human service, health, court, and criminal justice systems' programs, regulations, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills; ability to relate to a wide range of issues, people, and institutions.
• Understanding of issues facing young people in the community where the program is located.
• Excellent public speaking, listening, and written communication skills.
• Willingness to teach young people about service systems and decision making processes.
• Willingness to learn from young people.
• Knowledge of American history and the history of the racial and ethnic groups participating in YouthBuild, along with an ability to apply that knowledge in work with young people.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to perform basic computer and office equipment skills.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to people supported, families, guardians, and other medical professionals.
• This position requires driving your personal vehicle for company business. Must be privileged to drive according to the criteria set forth by Agency MVR guidelines.
• Valid driver's license in jurisdiction of residence
• Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle) •
• May be required to drive a van
• Acceptable Criminal background check, OIG Exclusion check
• Negative Drug Screening
• CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, clients, and program supplies as necessary.
• The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.  
• Move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment.
• Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
• The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally, ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

• Establish and develop community relationships with program partners.
• Stay abreast of all educational opportunities available to the community to include, Newport News and Hampton Public Schools
• Organize monthly onsite academic and family engagement opportunities to include within the community of Newport News and Hampton
• Work with community members to establish partnerships on programs and offerings and serves as the liaison CNI Community.
• Strong organization skills and keep accurate records, collects and reports data to school division leaders and department supervisors