Compass Youth Program Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Make a real difference in young people's lives. Action Inc. is seeking a Compass Specialist to support out-of-school youth as they work toward earning their HiSET/GED, build on their strengths, and take the next steps toward their goals and economic self-sufficiency.

About Action Inc. & the COMPASS Youth Program

Action Inc.'s COMPASS Youth Program is dedicated to supporting out-of-school young adults ages 16-24 in earning their HISET/GED (High School Equivalency). COMPASS is a safe, flexible program that not only prepares students for their exams but also helps them overcome barriers through one-on-one counseling, college and job preparation, career guidance, and life skills coaching. The program is FREE for eligible Cape Ann residents and offers a supportive learning environment, flexible scheduling, and transportation to Compass and the HISET testing center.

Role Overview

The Compass Youth Program utilizes a positive youth development approach to support young people to achieve their High School Equivalency (HiSET, commonly known as GED) and pursue next steps based on youth's interests, strengths, and needs. The Compass Specialist will work with Compass students as they enroll in the program, study for their HISET, and pursue next steps after HISET obtainment. The specialist should have a passion for working with young adults, a belief in their potential, and a strong commitment to Compass' mission of empowering out-of-school Cape Ann youth to work towards economic self-sufficiency. The specialist should be highly organized and able to skillfully manage the files for each student in the program.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work with Compass students, taking a strengths-based approach and providing case management throughout their time in the program. Check in regularly with students, ensuring they are engaged with the program. Recognize any barriers that students may be facing and help them identify ways to overcome those barriers, making referrals as needed.
• Ensure that student files are accurately maintained in accordance with Action Inc. and WIOA grant standards. Keep student binders up to date and collect enrollment paperwork, student signatures, and copies of IDs. Collect student proof of address, selective service enrollment verification, and withdrawal letters, assisting students with the process as needed. Arrange for student WIOA interviews.
• Maintain reporting, case notes, intake paperwork, and other relevant updates in Action's internal database.
• Assist students in identifying their goals and outlining a plan to meet those goals utilizing the SMART goal method.
• Strategically reduce barriers for students by providing building blocks for their success. Examples include arranging taxi transportation to and from Compass and/or the HISET testing center, signing students up for drivers' education, grocery shopping for the program, etc.
• Refer students to resources that may be helpful to them. These include referrals within Action Inc. (ie- to Community Services, Career Services, Fuel Assistance, etc.) as well as to outside agencies (ie- Younity Access Center, the Open Door, behavioral health services, etc.).
• Collaborate with local high schools, nonprofits, public sector agencies, and post-secondary partners. Attend select community meetings, serving as the Compass representative.
• Support and celebrate student success. Assist students in ordering their official HISET credential. Assist the Director of Education & Training with planning and organizing the Compass graduation.
• Provide a safe and trauma-informed environment for students that promotes inclusion.
• Act in the best interest of the organization, reflecting the values of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect.
• Attend and participate in departmental, organization-wide, and other meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent computer skills with solid knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to skillfully learn and work within data management systems such as CMS.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate well and work closely with colleagues, students, and community partners.
• Familiarity with local resources and public benefits.
• Ability to comply with and successfully complete a CORI background check before the start of employment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify upon hire.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree or 3 years of equivalent experience
• Experience with working with opportunity youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in the fields of education, psychology, and/or social work a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).

Name-based criminal record check (CORI) returns information on available Massachusetts arraignments.