Workforce Development Specialist

Workforce Development SpecialistTeens Against Killing Everywhere (TAKE)YouthBuild St. Clair County Program

East St. Louis, Illinois

Full-Time | Exempt | $52,000–$55,000 Annually (Based on Experience) | Grant-Funded Position

Make a Difference. Change Lives. Build Futures.

Are you passionate about helping young people discover their potential and build successful futures? Do you believe every young person deserves someone who believes in them?

Teens Against Killing Everywhere (TAKE) is seeking an energetic, compassionate, and relationship-driven Workforce Development Specialist to join our YouthBuild St. Clair County Program.

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to coach, mentor, teach, and inspire opportunity youth ages 16–24 as they overcome barriers, achieve personal goals, and prepare for lifelong success.

Why Join TAKE?

Employer-paid health insurance
Generous paid time off
Professional development and training opportunities
Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
Opportunity to make a lasting impact in your community

About YouthBuild St. Clair County

YouthBuild St. Clair County is an education, youth development, and workforce development program that helps opportunity youth earn a high school diploma or equivalent, develop leadership skills, achieve industry-recognized credentials, and prepare for college, apprenticeships, military service, and meaningful careers through comprehensive education, training, and supportive services.

What You'll Do

Coach and mentor young adults ages 16–24.
Provide individual and group career coaching.
Facilitate workforce readiness, leadership, and employability workshops.
Help participants develop career, education, and employment plans.
Build partnerships with employers, colleges, and community organizations.
Coordinate internships, career exploration, employer engagement, and hiring events.
Manage employer worksites for the Summer Youth Employment Program.
Support participants in obtaining employment, credentials, training, and postsecondary opportunities.
Track participant progress and maintain accurate documentation.
Collaborate with program staff and community partners.
Participate in recruitment, orientations, graduations, and community events.
Perform other duties as assigned.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is

Passionate about youth development and community impact.
Empathetic, patient, and nonjudgmental.
Personable and able to build authentic relationships.
A strong communicator and team player.
Organized, dependable, and self-motivated.
Comfortable working with youth facing barriers such as poverty, trauma, justice involvement, housing instability, low literacy, and limited work experience.
Able to balance compassion with accountability while encouraging personal growth and success.

QualificationsRequired

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Ability to successfully complete required background checks.

Preferred

Experience in workforce development, youth development, education, career coaching, employment services, counseling, social work, human services, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field.
Experience facilitating workshops or group instruction.
Experience developing employer and community partnerships.
Experience working with at-risk or opportunity youth ages 16–24.
Individuals whose personal, professional, or lived experiences reflect or relate to the backgrounds of the youth we serve are encouraged to apply.

About TAKE

Teens Against Killing Everywhere (TAKE) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, young adults, and families through education, workforce development, violence prevention, leadership development, and supportive services. Our mission is to create opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities while helping young people reach their full potential.

Apply Today

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Alicia Lenard
alicia.lenard@estltake.net

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon program funding and organizational needs. Teens Against Killing Everywhere (TAKE) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits: