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Job description
JCCA is seeking a passionate, driven, and youth-centered Career & Youth Development Specialist to empower young people in foster care as they prepare for adulthood. This role is rooted in a Positive Youth Development approach and focuses on equipping youth with the independent living, career readiness, and self-advocacy skills they need to thrive.
The Career & Youth Development Specialist partners directly with youth (ages 14+) to:
Assess strengths, interests, and needs
Develop individualized Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) goals
Provide one-on-one coaching and group workshops
Create employment, internship, and vocational opportunities
Ensure compliance with PYA mandates and quality standards
You will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, external employers, workforce programs, and community partners to build meaningful pipelines to success.
Youth Development & Independent Living Facilitate PYA workshops (financial literacy, job readiness, advocacy, independent living skills)
Conduct Ansell Casey assessments and NYTD surveys
Coordinate independent living groups and experiential learning excursions
Support youth with obtaining vital documents, bank accounts, credit checks, and DMV documentation
Assist with discharge planning and transitional supports, including Medicaid documentation
Career & Workforce Development
Conduct career assessments and vocational planning
Support resume development, mock interviews, and job applications
Develop on- and off-campus employment and internship pipelines
Oversee job readiness and internship programs (e.g., YA WORC, Mentored Internship Programs)
Build relationships with employers and workforce programs
Support non-college-bound youth in exploring alternative career pathways
Track employment persistence at 3, 6, and 12 months
Collaboration & Leadership
Attend Family Team Conferences (FTCs), permanency planning meetings, and vocational reviews
Train agency staff on Youth Development and Independent Living curriculum
Partner with LGBTQ+ organizations and other external stakeholders
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in CONX, Evolve, and Fair Futures platforms
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum 2 years' experience working with disadvantaged youth
Experience in youth development, workforce development, or foster care strongly preferred
Skills & Competencies
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Experience motivating and mentoring young people
Ability to work independently and take initiative
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Trauma-informed and youth-centered practice mindset
Strong collaboration and relationship-building abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10AM -6PM; Fridays - 9AM-5PM
Ready to Empower the Next Generation?
If you are passionate about creating opportunities, building futures, and walking alongside young people as they define their goals - apply today.
Salary: $31.32 per hour ($57K annually) - differential offered for Spanish language skills
Worksite address
new york, NY, 10261, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.