JMG Specialist, Workforce Pathways

OUR ORGANIZATION:

Youth Solutions, Inc. is a part of the Kinexus Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, recently recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality. While this position is part of and reports to Youth Solutions, Inc., this position is employed by Kinexus Group through an employee leasing agreement with Youth Solutions, Inc.

THE TEAM:

Youth Solutions, Inc. (YS) is a statewide nonprofit on a mission to eliminate economic and social inequality by supporting education completion and employment success for Michigan’s vulnerable youth.  For 13 years, our premier Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program has been a high-impact force for change, opening equal opportunities to disadvantaged youth across the state. These young people are the heart of our mission and we envision a Michigan where every young person is educated, employed, and career bound.

Since 2008, we’ve helped more than 21,500 young people grab opportunities that advance their education and employment goals.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

Reporting to and in partnership with the Manager, Workforce Pathways, the JMG Specialist, Workforce Pathways will play a key role in implementing the Jobs for or America’s Graduates (JAG) Advantage Out-of-School Time (OST) services outlined in the Department of Labor (DOL) Workforce Pathways for Youth.  This role will work closely with the Manager, Workforce Pathways to implement programming and work directly with youth to increase alignment between workforce and OST programs and expand job training and workforce pathways for youth including soft skill development, career exploration, job readiness and certification, summer jobs, year-round job opportunities, and apprenticeships.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Young Adult Success, Program Implementation

• Assist in the design of, and implement the JAG Advantage OST services following the requirements and guidelines of the DOL grant.
• Identify, recruit, and instruct young adults who are no longer in a traditional school setting, or are in need of additional support outside of school time, and are seeking a path to a meaningful career.
• Follow and adapt the JAG model standards and implement the JAG Advantage (Employer Engagement, Project-Based Learning, and Trauma Informed Care) in OST program activities.
• Provide young adults with information on high demand career pathways and opportunities to explore career options and develop interest.
• Provide youth with multiple opportunities to explore career options and place youth into subsidized or unsubsidized work experiences based on interest.
• Provide mentoring and wrap-around services. Partner with and refer youth to public or private agencies in the community as needed to overcome barriers to success.
• Assist young adults in developing service learning projects (community service) as appropriate.

Partnership Engagement and School-to-Career Transition

• Collaborate with and align program activities to other youth serving workforce programs offered through Michigan Works! BCVB.
• Understand the array of services available to youth throughout the community and how you can partner with other organizations.
• Work closely with the Michigan Works! BCVB, and other community organizations to develop mutually beneficial partnerships and more opportunities for youth success.
• Engage businesses for purposes of participation in projects and work-based learning opportunities, including business tours, job shadows, service learning projects, internships, apprenticeships, etc.
• Engage postsecondary institutions to provide guidance and resources, and set up college tours and guest speakers based on in-demand career pathways.
• Assists young adults in finding and maintaining quality employment and/or post-secondary educational programs.
• Works closely with JMG graduates, employers, and postsecondary providers for 24 months after program completion to ensure positive outcomes in employment and/or postsecondary education/training.

Data Management and Accountability

• Daily, accurate data entry into appropriate database(s) is required.
• Provide personal and confidential information for screening in accordance with local organizational and grant specific policies and requirements.
• Complete and regularly maintain all paper and electronic documentation as required by Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, the JAG National organization, and other partners and funders. Submit properly completed written and electronic documentation as directed by Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates.
• Work with Youth Solutions leadership to complete all monitoring requests and maintain all required documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree in education, social service, counseling, business, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Commitment to Youth Solutions values: Collaboration, Excellence, Leadership and Solution-Focused.
• Experience working with youth accompanied by knowledge of positive youth development strategies.
• Skills in human relations, leadership, supervision, and motivational techniques.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to establish the appropriate boundaries while developing and nurturing supportive relationships with students.
• Exceptional communication skills to include formal presentations.
• Ability to develop tools, resources, and educational opportunities consistent with the JAG model.
• Working knowledge of basic computer applications such as word processing.
• Experience with workforce programming and/or federal and state grants is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:   

• Flexible & Open  
• Competitive Salary & Benefits
• Opportunities for Growth 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times.
• Must be willing and able to travel approximately 30% of the time between Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

• A robust Onboarding experience to integrate you into our team
• Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers
• Management Commitment to your success

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We have a unique culture that requires us to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE.   We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.   It is our goal to inspire positive economic change one person, one business and one community at a time. 

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.