Workforce Pathways Specialist

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Research and distribute regional Hot Jobs postings and employment opportunities sourced from online job boards such as JobQuest and IndeedConnect with MassHire offices statewide and use job blast distribution lists to share opportunities with DYS teams
• Create and maintain job boards and flyers for training and employment opportunities across district offices on a rotating basis
• Employer & Training Provider Engagement; Certifications & Credentials
• Build and expand networks of employers and training providers aligned with labor market demand and youth career interests
• Collaborate with MassHire programs, DTA, CommCorp’s CTI team, and other partners to connect youth to training and upskilling opportunities
• Compile a list of existing industry recognized certifications and credential bearing training programs
• Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
• Support the growth, development & maintenance of subsidized employment sites statewide
• Coordinate with Career Navigators and DYS staff to identify youth interested in vocational/technical training and bridge them to relevant programs
• Trades & Apprenticeships Exposure
• Develop relationships with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs and prerequisites/requirements to share information with the youth
• Support connections to programs that offer job shadowing, industry tours, internships, and hands-on career exposure, especially in trade and technical fields
• Advise youth and staff on opportunities based on skill requirements, and advancement potential
• Compile a list of existing Trade and Apprenticeship programs
• Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
• Youth Engagement & Direct Support
• Available for consults with team and DYS leadership
• Engage directly with youth & team to assist in application and enrollment process with MassHire trainings, CTI programs, and other partner supported opportunities
• Provide warm hand off, introductions and problem solving (where applicable)
• Targeted outreach to CVES and Senior Program Managers of Career Navigation to identify youth for opportunities
• Facilitate in person workshops for youth and staff as requested
• Meetings, Administrative Support & Data Entry
• Attend regional meetings, emerging adult convenings, and other Statewide meetings as requested
• Work as part of a team to ensure local visibility
• Take and share notes from meetings and support follow-up actions
• Cover duties and provide cross-team support as needed
• Document all work with youth in JJEMS case notes
• Document all work with Employers and Training Providers
• Enter all data into shared Excel Tracker for DYS dashboards
• Support and Gain Understanding of Single Service Provider Trackers
• Regular communication and liaising with DYS central Office Skill Up leadership team

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Experience working with workforce, vocational, or apprenticeship systems
• Knowledge of labor market information analysis
• Experience working with system involved youth
• Familiarity with state workforce development programs
• Background in youth development, coaching, or case management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel statewide with 24 hours notice
• Ability to complete mandatory 2.5-week basic training in person in Grafton MA
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with youth and partners
• Knowledge of workforce development, training systems, and/or youth services
• Program and project management experience, particularly in the area of youth development and supplemental education or workforce development programming
• Commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belongings