FreeHire

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

Youth Career Development Specialist

Show

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social service nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities

Reporting to the Workforce Development Program Manager, the Youth Career Development Program Specialist is responsible for outreach, recruitment, career exploration events, student support for post-secondary education and training, job placement, and other specialized training programs for identified youth. This role ensures that participants receive comprehensive support, from career readiness to job retention, while fostering partnerships with community organizations and employers to create meaningful opportunities.

The full-time (40 hours/week) Youth Career Development Specialist will be a position in partnership with the Workforce Development program directly impacting job seekers in metro Chicago area.

Key Responsibilities:

Youth Outreach, Recruitment, & Orientation

  • Develop and execute recruitment strategies to engage eligible youth in workforce programs.

  • Participate in community outreach events.

  • Administer skill level tests for participating youths. Provide a structured orientation for youths and their parents (if under 18) to set expectations.

  • Assist youth in obtaining State IDs by guiding them through the application process (if applicable).

Career Exploration

  • Coordinate program events such as career expos, job fairs, and field trips to businesses and colleges

  • Coordinate workshop series with invited guest speakers from various industrial sectors

  • Provide job readiness workshops focusing on soft skills building, resume writing, and interview practice

  • Provide 1:1 career coaching and create individualized plans with career goals for youth

Post-secondary Education and Training Opportunities

  • Identify and partner with credentialed training providers for industry-recognized certifications.

  • Provide information and resources for college admission, scholarships, and tests

  • Support students completing college applications, FAFSA applications, job/internship/work-based learning/scholarship/advanced training and certificate applications

  • Connect youths with schools and training facilities, and employers; coordinate site visits and field trips.

  • Facilitate a diverse range of training opportunities in both public and private sectors to support youth career exploration.

  • Establish partnerships with community-based organizations to provide hands-on work experience.

  • Monitor youth placements at worksites or training programs for 1+ year to ensure successful completion.

Program Implementation & Participant Engagement

  • Lead curriculum delivery, interactive activities, and workforce development training for participants.

  • Provide wrap-around services and refer at-risk youth to internal and external support programs.

  • Facilitate team-building exercises to foster a sense of community among participants.

  • Facilitate CPR class for participants in the community.

  • Connect clients over 18 years old looking for job placement with Program Specialist for job seeking opportunities

Data Management & Compliance

  • Track and enter participant data into the data management system (e.g., Salesforce and, Charity Tracker).

  • Maintain accurate records of attendance, assessments, and participant progress.

  • Administer and evaluate CASAS GOALS/ESLOA to assess skill development.

  • Ensure compliance with reporting requirements by providing timely and accurate documentation.

Community Partnerships & Recruitment

  • Represent the workforce program at college fairs, career expos, and community events to recruit participants.

  • Strengthen relationships with referral sources, Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges, universities, employers, and other community organizations.

  • Coordinate participant referrals to internal agency services and external vocational training programs.

Professional Development & Additional Duties

  • Attend all mandatory training and meetings, including technology and data management training.

  • Support continuous improvement efforts by integrating digital literacy, career readiness, and industry-specific skills into the curriculum.

  • Perform additional responsibilities assigned to enhance program and organization effectiveness.