Youth Services Assistant - Connecting Forward

Job Location
Lifsey Building - Career Solutions
Job Summary:
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee's mission is to change lives through education, training, and employment. The Youth Services Assistant will develop and maintain school-based partnerships to identify and enroll eligible families in the Connecting Forward program and coordinate services that address barriers to education, training, and employment. The Youth Services Assistant will also implement work readiness strategies for youth ages 16-18 and provide ongoing career counseling and support to families as needed to help meet their goals. This role is part of a 3-year grant and will work with other community partners.
The Youth Services Assistant will promote a positive work environment that celebrates our vision, mission and core values in every action and interaction with team members, donors, customers, management and persons served.
Job Description
Essential Functions

• Supports program participants to help them identify training/educational needs, develop/enhance their soft skills, and assist them with resources to help them get employed.
• Build and maintain relationships with community employment service providers and/or community resources that can benefit clients and their goals.
• Consistently engage with students and families to assist them with their various needs to help them achieve their predetermined goals. This will also include attending community and school-based events, making referrals to appropriate partner organizations, and requires travelling to these functions.
• Plan and conduct soft skills workshops for students and parents as appropriate.
• Counsel students and families in the Connecting Forward program on appropriate work behaviors and expectations.
• Initiate and build partnerships with employers and/or community service providers that address family's needs and their goals.
• Maintains communication with students and families; provide detailed and accurate records of interactions.
• Assists with maintenance of databases including entering accurate information and running and downloading reports.
• Approximately 70% of the time will be spent in the community making connections and supporting youth and families.
• Creates documents and postings for the department related to center job fairs, training, and other events.
• Shares resources, job openings, and relevant program announcements with students and families weekly.
• Regular, reliable attendance as defined in Goodwill's attendance policy.
• Other duties as assigned by management or that specifically relate to the Connecting Forward grant.

Minimum Qualifications
Required Skills:
Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.
• College Degree (Preferred).

Experience

• Two (2) years of Social Work, counseling, or career readiness training experience.
• Previous experience teaching, case management, placement, or work in the public-school sector is strongly preferred but not required.

Knowledge/Skills

• Able to deal with all situations calmly and positively.
• Able to proficiently use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite.
• Able to learn new processes quickly and possess strong organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to be able to communicate effectively with all levels of management and employees.
• Strong customer service, relationship building, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong time-management skills and must be able to pay attention to detail.
• Able to understand, communicate, comply with, and enforce policies and procedures.
• Able to problem-solve, prioritize, and be able to multitask.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to travel to and work at other locations as needed.
• Computer skills and proficient knowledge of client management software.

Certifications and Licenses

• A Valid Driver's License to Operate Company Vehicles is required. Travel is required for this role.