Job Information
Berkshire Farm Center Vocational Specialist in Albany, New York
Description
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This Vocational Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing vocational programs that support youth in our child welfare program to achieve their educational and employment goals. The Vocational Specialist will work closely with youth, staff, and community partners to provide comprehensive services that foster personal and professional growth.
Job Responsibilities
Develops and implements individualized career plans for youth, aligning with their goals and abilities.
Provides vocational training curriculum directly to youth.
Provides job readiness training, including job search strategies, resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace etiquette.
Establishes and maintains relationships with local employers and community organizations to create job and internship opportunities.
Assist youth in identifying and enrolling in educational programs that support their career goals.
Offers continuous support and mentorship to youth, conducting regular follow-ups to ensure progress.
Collaborates with case managers, social workers, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to each youth’s development.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions, plans, and progress.
Prepares and submits regular reports on program outcomes and youth progress.
Participates in agency and external meetings as necessary.
Adheres to agency policies and procedures; follow and support the agency's mission, vision, and values.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):
Ability to track and analyze data for trends and patterns.
Basic experience in developing and coordinating training programs using various methods.
Strong presentation skills.
Clear and concise communication at all levels; strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and energetic environment.
Handles confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work with an economically and culturally diverse population.
Ability to provide one-on-one and group coaching.
Job Requirements
Minimum of 1-3 years of experience, preferably in the non-profit and/or child welfare industry.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.
Moderate knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
Ability to work with an economically and culturally diverse population.
Ability to become TCI certified and maintain certification
Must have a valid driver’s license. Ability to travel locally, regionally, and potentially statewide, flexible hours.
Salary Range:
- $45,000 - $50,000 per year depending on experience & education.
Working Conditions and Environmental Factors: Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee will experience on the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is working in an office or school setting and may be exposed to items such as office equipment, low to moderate noise levels, dust, and other items found in a home environment. Employees may be exposed to inclement weather conditions.
Physical and Mental Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee needs to be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach, climb stairs, balance; stoop/bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear. Dexterity to write and operate standard office machines such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, phones, and calculators is required. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee must:
Act as a positive role model and effectively manage emotions and demonstrate tolerance and empathy.
Demonstrate an understanding that changing behaviors and habits require repetition and practice.
Demonstrate patience and flexibility with coworkers and follow one’s safety plan when necessary.
A safe and risk-reduced environment is essential for effective treatment, good planning, efficient operations, and the long-term preservation of the organization. To the extent that risk is recognized and identified, and formally managed, persons served, employees, foster families and Together for Youth will be safer, and treatment and services will be of higher quality.
Together for Youth embraces the Sanctuary Model and is committed to creating a trauma-informed, outcome-based culture of open communication, nonviolence, emotional intelligence, social learning, shared governance, social responsibility and growth and change.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities Together for Youth is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment. We seek to attract talented people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
As a federal contractor, Together for Youth will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees with access to compensation information of other employees or applicants as part of their essential job functions cannot disclose this information unless it is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).
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