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Youth Engagement Specialist
Reports to: Youth Services Director
Job Objective:
The Youth Engagement Specialist supports youth ages 14–24 in achieving their educational, career, and personal goals through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. Serving both in-school (ISY) and out-of-school (OSY) youth, the Specialist provides individualized case management, facilitates access to education and training, and connects youth to meaningful work-based learning opportunities in compliance with WIOA guidelines. This position plays a key role in removing barriers and promoting long-term success for young people.
Essential Job Functions:
Conduct outreach to identify eligible ISY and OSY participants through school, community, and referral partnerships.
Complete eligibility screenings and objective assessments to determine needs and strengths.
Develop and maintain Individual Service Strategies (ISS) that reflect the youth’s goals and support pathways to career and education success.
Provide individualized career coaching and supportive services to address employment barriers.
Coordinate access to the 14 required WIOA Youth Program Elements, including tutoring, work experiences, occupational training, and leadership development.
Facilitate job readiness workshops and life skills training including resume building, interviewing, financial literacy, and professionalism.
Monitor youth progress and maintain regular contact through scheduled check-ins and updates.
Maintain accurate documentation in the case management system (e.g., ICC) including services delivered, outcomes, and follow-ups.
Establish relationships with schools, employers, training providers, and community organizations to support youth goals.
Conduct follow-up with participants after program exit per WIOA timelines to document outcomes and offer continued support.
Serve as a positive mentor and advocate for youth, helping them build confidence and resilience.
Ensure compliance with WIOA and related state and local policies through accurate documentation, recordkeeping, and service delivery.
Contribute to reporting, evaluation, and data quality efforts by accurately documenting services, tracking performance metrics, and supporting audit readiness.
Contribute to team knowledge-sharing to improve service delivery and collaboration.
Required Skills and Abilities:
Bachelor’s degree in social services, education, counseling, or related field preferred.
Experience working with youth or young adults, especially those facing barriers to success.
Understanding of WIOA youth services and performance metrics preferred.
Strong organizational and documentation skills, with ability to manage a caseload effectively.
Culturally competent and comfortable working with diverse populations.
Self-starter with ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and delivering services with integrity and compassion.
Deliver services with a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness, ensuring all youth are treated with dignity and respect.
Equipment Used:
This position requires regular use of a computer, internet, and database systems for documentation and reporting. Communication is conducted via email, phone, and virtual meeting platforms. Additional equipment includes a printer, scanner, and copier for administrative tasks and participant support.
Work Environment and Travel Expectations:
This position is primarily based in an office setting but requires consistent travel within school and community-based environments. Frequent, recurring travel throughout Region 2 is a core part of the role. Each Youth Engagement Specialist will be assigned a “home” county and is expected to travel regularly within that area to engage with program participants, partners, and service locations.
Originally joining the Pro Resources team in 2004, Heather has 13+ years of experience focused on human resources, customer service, leadership, training and development, and employee relations. Her passion for the staffing industry and leadership characteristics have allowed her to build lasting relationships with customers, colleagues, and associates. In her current role, Heather is responsible for the operational management of our Angola, Auburn, and Kendallville branches in Indiana, as well as a strategic partnership in Oelwein, Iowa. She leads a team of tenured professionals and is a highly effective mentor to our newer team members, establishing a strong foundation for customer engagement and staffing innovation. Heather’s warm personality provides positive support and a degree of comfort to her staffing team, which fosters creativity and teamwork. Heather is a poised and professional manager, committed to quality and integrity above all else. Heather is a Certified Staffing Professional through the American Staffing Association and a member of Northeastern Indiana Human Resources Association.
When she is not plugging away at work, Heather enjoys cheering on her daughters at dance competitions, pursuing her passion of photography, or spending time with her family and friends.