Education & Employment Specialist

Position Summary

All Covenant House Alaska program staff work as advocates and allies for youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking.

The Education & Employment Specialist will provide a comprehensive range of support services to assist students in planning their careers, achieving academic success, and maximizing their overall experiential learning. This includes academic and career-focused goal setting, retention support, soft skills development, and interagency referrals. Additionally, the Education & Employment Specialist connects youth to resources and supports that help them overcome challenges and achieve success in pursuing their goals. The Education & Employment Specialist will provide and ensure high-quality trauma-informed service delivery in their work and all aspects of youth care.

Essential Functions

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the Covenant House mission, philosophy, history, tradition(s) and the underlying values upon which the Agency is founded to the staff, students and the community we serve.
Assist students with enrollment, admissions, and registration functions.
Develop, update, and implement career development activities that expose students to various career pathways.
Offer mock interview support and training to build resumes, complete employment applications, and job search.
Connect students with appropriate internship, apprenticeship, or employment opportunities.
Provide mentoring and coaching to help students achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
Monitor student progress through check-ins, scheduled meetings, and proactive communication.
Intervene and provide support for students facing academic problems or other issues, developing next steps as needed.
Arrange accommodation to meet students' needs and ensure successful course and program completion.
Maintain and nurture partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support youth workforce development.
Foster positive relationships within the Anchorage community to create opportunities for students to connect with employment experiences.
Ensure compliance with documentation requirements, manage databases, and accurately report participant outcomes.
Track onsite youth, documenting attendance, progress, and services provided.
Act as an advocate for students, supporting their interactions with staff, partners, and other students.
Provide support for the building and surrounding areas, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and proper maintenance, and reporting any concerns as needed.
Actively participate in staff meetings, development activities, and attend conferences as requested.
Maintain database management and assist in implementing data protocols.
Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of data entry by residence staff for grant reporting.
Maintain dialogue with the Data Manager to improve data design, quality, and processes.
Analyze data to track outcomes to inform program design and decisions.
Maintain a positive and professional working relationship with the general public, including placement agencies and families of the students.
Demonstrate an enthusiastic commitment to the job and the students served.
Maintain a high level of ethical standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

Associate degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field. Experience can substitute for post-secondary education on a year-for-year basis.

Minimum Experience

Experience working with adolescent or disadvantaged populations preferred; experience in youth workforce and internship experience preferred.

Experience working in student services and/or in a community agency that provides services to young adults from diverse backgrounds. Experience in education with student conduct, emergency response, and crisis management preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Understanding of and compliance with all Agency policies and procedures, including Child Protection Policies.
Approachable, relatable, and able to build rapport with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of community social service resources for housing, employment, education, and social-emotional well-being.
Crisis intervention skills and the ability to address conflicts between students exhibiting challenging behaviors.
Maintain confidentiality while understanding and complying with requirements of mandated reporting, duty to warn, Title IX, ADA, HIPAA, FERPA and other limits to confidentiality.
Sensitivity to and respect for diversity and cultural issues.
Willingness to engage with partner human trafficking service agencies and law enforcement.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in youth service provision.
Proficiency with standard computer operating systems and ability to navigate Microsoft Office Suite and online databases.
Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours, including holidays and weekends as needed.
Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
Ability to pass federal, state, and local background checks.
Strong organizational abilities and leadership skills.
Possess a current and valid Driver’s License.
Acceptable driving record assessed through CHA’s Drivers Acceptability Matrix
Pass federal, state, and local background check investigations.

Working Conditions

Position works in Youth Engagement Center and within the Covey Academy residential and educational building.
Noise level is mild to moderate, consistent with office and residential environments.
Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Must have the ability to observe details within close range.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
Must be able to move within the office to access files and office equipment.
Consistently operates a computer and related office machinery.
Must be able to ascend/descend stairways to monitor the space within a two-story building with and possibly without the assistance of an elevator.
Regularly moves items up to 40 pounds while ascending/descending stairways to assist residents moving in and out of the building.

Covenant House is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Due to licensing requirements, some of our positions require applicants to be at least 21. Do you meet this requirement?

How did you hear about this opening? (Indeed, Glassdoor, Job Fair, Referred by Covenant House Alaska employee)

Have you been convicted of a felony within the last 10 years? If yes, please explain.

Have you ever been employed by Covenant House? If yes, when?

Have you ever been terminated by any company? If yes, please explain.

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