Internship Coordinator and Case Manager

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT) exists to break the cycle of poverty and inequity through education, job training, and employment. Our vision to strengthen the workforce by serving as a bridge to economic opportunity for individuals in underserved communities is critical for economic recovery. Through our skills-based training, education, and direct job placement, we build upward economic mobility for out-of-school and unemployed youth and adults and provide the skills necessary to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Through our principles of accountability, confidence, and professionalism, we emphasize Values of Integrity-Respecting our commitments, personally and professionally, Excellence-Pushing one another to be our very best and Empowerment-Positive change begins with us. Our commitment to fostering and maintaining a work environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into our organizational DNA.

Diversity & Racial Equity Mission Statement: We recognize that structural racism, discrimination, systems of power, and other forms of oppression, give privilege and access to resources, lead to inequities, and have contributed to persistent disparities.  OBT is on an intentional journey to champion and operationalize the values of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion into our organization and the communities we serve. We strive to sustain a culture where all individuals can thrive and feel a sense of belonging, especially those whose voices and experiences have been historically marginalized. We commit our work to breaking oppressive barriers and serving as a bridge to sustainable economic opportunities that will build and strengthen an equitable workforce.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging (DEIA&B) Statement: We value individual differences and the benefits diversity and inclusion bring to our organization. It enables us to effectively grow by developing respected representation in the communities OBT serves while giving back through our personal experiences and efforts thereby adding immediate value. We understand that diversity is not simply about people who represent the full spectrum or ethnicities, national origins, ages, sexual orientation, gender identity, beliefs, religions and faith, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and levels of physical ability; it also involves our ability to being open-minded and creating balance within OBT as an organization. Within our diversified workforce, we see our differences as assets, not liabilities and intentionally prioritize methods to enhance our DEIA&B journey. OBT realizes that diversity is an important issue for our organization, but we also realize that it is not enough to hire people with the differences mentioned above. Everyone needs to feel like they are truly welcome, safe and free to be themselves in the workplace. We are establishing a sense of belonging and inclusion, so we can ensure that all employees, regardless of their background and experiences, are connected with equal opportunities and create a healthier, more successful future together.

Position Summary:
The Internship Coordinator and Case Manager inspires TechSTART participants to envision their pathways into well-paid sustainable careers in the tech sector. They will cultivate and manage internship sites while providing ongoing individualized guidance and counseling to young adults, 17 to 24 years old, with a diverse range of needs and aspirations. They will also facilitate work readiness workshops to ensure participants are building the skills and mindsets necessary for success in the world of work. Reporting directly to the TechSTART Program Director, the Internship Coordinator and Case Manager will also work in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to develop strategies for participants to reach program goals and outcomes.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop a range of internship and employment opportunities in a variety of industries to engage and support young adults at varying levels of skill development and interests for the purpose of career exploration and sector focused experiences that promote career growth.
• Identify and establish relationships with prospective partner organizations, conducting field visits and engagement events.
• Identify and utilize strategies to determine internship and employer partner needs and incorporate these into program design.
• Cultivate existing relationships and build new relationships with varied stakeholders, including internship sites, employers, and community partners.
• Conduct visits to internship sites to observe and monitor internship work and progress.
• Work effectively with internal teams and external partners to best prepare and support young adults as they enter the workforce.
• Conduct intake assessments with applicants to ensure both eligibility and suitability for the program.
• Monitor the flow of young adults throughout program components.
• Enter and track data in all relevant systems accurately and in a timely manner, including coordination of worksite applications and entry into databases for approval, participant case notes, worksite monitoring notes, and management of participant timesheets.
• Process internship payroll on a weekly basis, ensuring that timesheets have been completed and entered accurately.
• Achieve all program milestones and benchmarks at required intervals.
• Engage employer and internship partners for placement and outcomes.
• Cultivate and manage relationships within OBT’s interdisciplinary team.
• Evaluate program design, using participant and labor market information to make improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Belief that workforce development and equity are inextricably linked and have a passionate commitment to OBT’s mission and vision.
• Ability to exemplify the OBT model of high accountability and high support in all interactions with participants, staff, and partners.
• Experience working with opportunity youth.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and conflict de-escalation skills.
• Ability to develop goals and reduce barriers to education, program persistence and employment through effective case management and counseling strategies.
• Adept problem solver who brings energy and enthusiasm to the work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and database management (Salesforce preferred).
• Ability to establish positive relationships with program participants, internship sites, prospective employers, and other CBOs.
• Ability to manage, delegate, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced setting.
• Possess a deep understanding of the labor market and ability to utilize this to inform program design.
• Ability to maintain an internship bank consisting of quality positions.
• Ability to meet internship placement quotas on a consistent basis.
• Ability to support the team to achieve program quality and program outcomes.

Education and Experience/Training:

• Associate degree and some experience working with low income/high barrier populations required (candidates working toward degree may be considered).
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Knowledge of workforce development is helpful.
• Must display strong leadership skills, personal initiative and the ability to problem-solve; must possess excellent organizational and communication skills.

Other Qualifications:  These are the skills & attributes that all OBT employees need in order to meet the expectations of each other, our participants, and our partners. 

Communicate with Clarity – Be clear, concise, and actionable. Be relentlessly constructive. Seek and provide meaningful feedback. 

Work with Purpose – Exhibit a “We Can” mindset. Results outweigh effort. Everyone understands how their role contributes. Set aside personal objectives for team results. 

Drive to Decision – Cut the swirl with defined deadlines and decision points. Be clear on individual accountability and decision authority. Guided by a commitment to and accountability for mission outcomes. 

Own the Outcome – Defined milestones, commitments and intended results. Assess your work in context, if you’re unsure, ask. Demonstrate unwavering support for decisions.