Youth Career Coach (Temporary)

JOB TITLE: Youth Career Coach

DIVISION: Youth Services

DEPARTMENT: SEMCA (WIOA) Youth Program

LOCATION: Highland Park American Job Center (144 E. Manchester St., Highland Park, MI 48203)

REPORTS TO: Lead Youth Career Coach

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt/Hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time Temporary

APPROVED DATE: 9/9/2025

JOB SUMMARY: Assists youth obtain stable employment and advance themselves toward economic self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive support services, job readiness and vocational/post-secondary training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Interviews potential program participants; reviews applicant’s application and other documentation to assess possible barriers to be addressed; provide initial academic assessments to identify participant’s learning styles.
2. Provides comprehensive support services to assigned program participants. Duties include, but are not limited to, individual counseling, transportation plan development, childcare planning, drug abuse treatment and other specialized services referrals.
3. Works with program participant to develop an Information Systems Services (ISS) plan of action and Career Plan, outlining necessary steps for the individual to increase job readiness, address barriers to employment and achieve primary and secondary goals.
4. Administers career and job readiness assessment instruments including self-assessment, goal setting, workplace conduct and appearance, resume writing, job search strategies, networking, interviewing, negotiations, conflict management and effective communication.
5. Modifies curriculum and materials as required to meet individual and program needs.
6. Provides counseling and intervention to address observed barriers that may reduce the participant’s chances of successfully completing the program; makes referrals as needed. Works with representatives of the Department of Health and Services (DHS), Friend of the Court, Department of Corrections and/or other agencies as necessary to ensure that the needs of the participant are addressed.
7. Provides referrals to education related activities that will increase skills and/or lead to a certification needed to achieve basic skills and/or employment.
8. Develops and maintains a working relationship with program participants and staff to ensure that concerns/barriers to successful program completion are addressed and resolved appropriately.
9. Maintains participant records ensuring documentation of all program activities, attendance records, progress reports and other information as required.
10. Documents efforts and outcomes in One Stop Management Information System (OSMIS).
11. Attends meetings as required to address participant concerns.
12. Conducts home visits as necessary.
13. Contributes to the team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) from four-year College or University in Social Work, guidance, counseling or related field.
2. One to two years of experience in case management or related field.
3. Bilingual language skills in English/Spanish or English/Arabic is preferred.
4. Working knowledge of local community services and agencies.
5. Computer skills necessary to maintain various records and reports.
6. Interpersonal skills necessary to build positive relationships with program participants and various support agencies.
7. Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
8. Mental ability to handle pressures related to performing multiple tasks requiring concentration and attention to detail and dealing with multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of need.
9. Physical ability to sit at a computer for extended periods of time.
10. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (evenings/weekends).
11. Must have a valid Michigan Driver’s license. Incumbent must also have reliable transportation to attend meetings outside of the office as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time, and have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a phone, computer keyboard, and other office equipment. Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. - This job operates in a normal office environment with a noise level, which is at times, moderately loud with little discomfort due to noise, dirt, dust and the like. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Occasional lifting and moving of materials as needed. Some walking/standing may be required for extended period of time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a person so classified. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.