Compass Youth Program Specialist

• 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.