Job Description

Job Announcement – Youth Employment Specialist

Common Wealth Development is seeking a motivated, energetic team member to join our Youth Workforce Development team. This individual will focus on youth workforce development programming for Madison-area high school youth. This includes working directly with teens and helping to deliver our employment and financial education, job placement, and mentoring programs to youth facing barriers to employment. This position is also responsible for building and maintaining crucial relationships with school partners and local businesses to support Experiential Learning programs through Madison Metropolitan School District. This is a full-time position with some evening and weekend hours required, with two days per month requiring evening hours. Hourly wage is $23.50 per hour, with full benefits. Applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and daily access to an insured car. Common Wealth Development offers a $1500.00 (annual) bonus to employees who demonstrate proficiency in Spanish and/or Hmong.

Major Responsibilities

• Recruit for, coordinate, and facilitate programs including financial education trainings, workshops, and others as requested for Madison-area high school youth and assist with program evaluation as needed.
• Mentor youth participating in programs to ensure positive employment experiences, ongoing learning and practice of program skills and content, and ongoing support with future goals.
• Develop positive employment opportunities with businesses that will partner with CWD to provide supportive job placements for economically disadvantaged youth from our program.
• Support effective working relationships with external partners, including Madison Metropolitan School District and various network partners.
• Network with businesses, community, school personnel, and families to promote the programs.
• Communicate and work effectively with a team to ensure highest quality programming and support for teens.
• Maintain written records and computer database.
• Perform other tasks as requested.
• Experience and commitment to working with teens from low-income homes.
• Experience and commitment to working with teens from racially diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of workforce development as a component of comprehensive community and economic development.
• Commitment to racial justice and health equity.
• Leadership experience.
• At least 3 years (continuous) experience coordinating multiple programs, and experience in workforce development programs.
• Knowledge of critical pedagogy and at least 3 years (continuous) experience facilitating trainings with teens and/or young adults
• Working knowledge of best practices in positive youth development and youth employment.
• High level of motivation and ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple responsibilities at once.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in word processing and database programs, especially Microsoft Office.
• Spanish and/or Hmong speaking skills.
• 4 year / Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, majoring in a social science field, or in the humanities or arts.

Desired Qualifications

Common Wealth Development values diverse life experience in its hiring process and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bilingual, bicultural, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. We value the work of our local schools and educators, and graduates of Madison area high schools are strongly encouraged to apply. Our team is diverse in every sense of the word, but united in our linked fate, shared prosperity, and our commitment to an upstream approach to racial justice, health equity and violence prevention.

Application packets must contain each of the following:

1) a completed employment application; 2) a resume; and 3) a cover letter describing your:

• Experience working with and/or mentor racially and economically diverse teens in a culturally responsive manner
• Experience networking with the business community and/or help individuals find employment; and
• Experience (including number of years worked and positions held) supporting training sessions for youth and/or young adults

Preference will be given to complete application packets received by 8:00 am Monday, September 15 th , 2025

Applications accepted until position filled. No faxes. No calls please, except to confirm receipt of application materials.

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