TAY Job Specialist

Coffee With A Cause empowers Transitional Age Youth (TAY)—young people ages 16 to 24 who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or justice system involvement to build a pathway toward lasting employment, stability, and purpose. At the core of our mission is the Ready, Set, Hire Internship Program, a paid job training initiative that combines hands-on experience, industry-recognized certificates, and one-on-one mentorship to prepare youth for meaningful careers.

We are seeking a full-time TAY Job Specialist to oversee our youth finding a job and seeking out hiring businesses and organizations. This position will work in close collaboration with the Programs Manager and with our non-profit referral and local business partners.

• Meet one-on-one with TAY participants to identify career goals, strengths, and barriers.
• Develop individualized job readiness or employment plans.
• Provide guidance on resumes, cover letters, applications, and interview preparation.
• Coach youth on workplace expectations such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
• Build relationships with local employers, unions, and training programs.
• Connect youth to internships, apprenticeships, and part/full-time job opportunities.
• Support enrollment in postsecondary education or vocational training.
• Track job leads, applications, interviews, and placements.
• Maintain accurate case notes, attendance, and progress data.
• Track milestones such as job placement, retention, or credential attainment.
• Provide reports to funders, program managers, and stakeholders.
• Use data to refine program design and improve outcomes.
• Work in tandem with the Program Manager to help youth obtain industry certifications (e.g., SCA barista, NASM fitness).

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Education, Counseling, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 2–3 years of experience working with youth (16–24), ideally those with barriers such as foster care involvement, homelessness, or justice-system experience.
• Experience in workforce development, career counseling, job placement, or vocational training.
• Familiarity with case management, coaching, or mentoring approaches.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (for site visits or youth support).
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings/weekends for workshops or events.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.
• Kindness, patience and professionalism.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong administrative skills and attention to detail.
• Capable of handling and maintaining sensitive and/or confidential information and conversations.
• Passionate about TAY and community collaboration and partnerships.