Bridge to Construction Career Advocate - Washington County and Multnomah County

Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) operates construction focused job-training programs with the mission to support low-income young adults, ages 18-26, who are committed to changing their lives to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the workforce and their community. The Bridge to Construction Program is an intensive construction-only, seven to nine-week program, that helps young people develop the skills needed for success in the construction trades through training aligned with workforce standards, life- and job-readiness instruction, and long-term placement and retention support. The Bridge to Construction Program was developed in consultation with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, apprenticeship programs, and industry practitioners. Participants are trained to demonstrate proficiencies in the areas of safety, tool use, demolition, framing, concrete, and finish work. Under the supervision of Bridge trainers, participants are involved in all phases of the construction projects, from dig-out to final clean. PYB's Bridge to Construction Program operates two concurrent cohorts located at PYB's main campus in Southeast Portland, and at our Washington County site in Central Beaverton.

PYB is deeply committed to continuously working to make our organization a more equitable and just place for both students and staff. As it is written in our equity statement: At PYB, we believe that communities are strengthened when diversity is honored. We believe we have a responsibility to interrupt and confront inequity. At PYB, we commit to continuously reflect and challenge the ways in which we, as a community, and as individuals, perpetuate inequity. It is not only vital to our students' success but essential to our purpose.

The ideal employee will be committed to our mission and equity statement, and will be inspired by working with young people from diverse backgrounds as they transform their lives through learning and service

POSITION SUMMARY

The Career Advocate is a member of the Bridge Career Services Team, working collaboratively with PYB's Construction Department to promote students' career readiness. The Career Advocate will provide comprehensive career coaching to students while they're in the program to help them make informed career choices, develop an individualized career plan including post-secondary goals, and provide long-term support through their success in career-aligned employment focused in the construction trades. Career coaching is provided to students in one-on-one meetings and in group settings-both in person and remotely, using phone, email, Zoom, social media and other communication tools. The Career Advocate will assist in developing curriculum for Career Exploration classes. They will identify student barriers to long-term success and secure resources to address needs. The Career Advocate will work closely with PYB's Construction staff to support students as they develop the knowledge, skills and habits necessary for success in post-secondary education, training, and careers. The Career Advocate will also have a caseload of alumni students who will continue to receive career coaching and assistance from PYB as they navigate moving into the construction workforce.

Reports to: Bridge to Construction Career Services Manager

Start Date: September 2026 or as soon as qualified candidate identified

Employment Status: Regular, Exempt

Schedule: 40 hours/week - 7:30am - 3:30pm

Compensation: $62,000 - $68,000/year starting salary DOE

Benefits: Seven weeks paid vacation per year during PYB closures -4 weeks Summer Break, 2 weeks Winter Break, and 1 week Spring Break; most state recognized holidays paid; 12 days per year Personal Time Off; $700/month added to salary for Section 125 cafeteria plan to cover employee's health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, and/or retirement savings; dollar-for-dollar employer match for retirement contributions up to 3% of salary with immediate vesting; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; dynamic environment with great team of students and staff.

Closing Date: Open until filled

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Develop and maintain relationships with partners (construction apprenticeships, employers, and community partners) in service of student placement support and success
• Assist current and alumni students with placement in employment and/or post-secondary apprenticeship/education/training through:
• Career Exploration
• Creation of resume, cover letter and other career related forms
• Practice filling out applications (short and long form, paper and online)
• Employment search
• Portfolio creation with students
• Other individualized and group placement approaches
• Provide ongoing, long-term post-placement support to alumni
• Enter placement information into student database as required
• Support students with employment training opportunities such as work experiences, job shadows and job fairs
• Connect students to potential employers/mentors through informational interviews, job shadows, work experiences, etc.
• Provide comprehensive orientation to construction apprenticeships, colleges, employers, internships, including tours and orientations and support through the application processes
• Participate in cross-departmental Case Management teams with a focus on career readiness and a student's transition from PYB into postsecondary education, training, and/or employment
• Design individualized career plans and individualized schedules for students
• Assist students with short and long-term planning for their future
• Maintain student records and fulfill all responsibilities as a Case Management team member
• Write case notes and keep Case Management team members informed about important student conversations, goals, and achievements

General

• Attend all-staff meetings, department meetings and professional development opportunities

QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent Experience in Education, Social Work, Career Exploration or related field
• Experience working with low-income and minority populations
• Experience helping students (or clients) assess needs, set goals, and progress toward those goals
• Strong computer skills (PYB primarily uses the Google and Microsoft suites, especially spreadsheet applications and email; a Filemaker database for student data tracking; and Zoom).
• Able to create, implement and maintain detailed tracking systems using technology.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Capacity to collaborate with colleagues in order to facilitate student success
• Ability to effectively prioritize student needs, even in high stress periods
• Ability to work independently during periods without direct oversight
• Valid Driver's License and good driving record. This position includes workday driving between PYB training sites (Portland and Beaverton) in either a personal or PYB vehicle. Career Advocates must also be cleared to transport students in PYB vehicles from time to time. Doing so requires a clean drug screen and safe driving record.
• Ability to pass fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check and drug screening

Preferred:

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in career coaching/development/exploration
• Construction industry knowledge
• Relationship with construction employer partners is a plus
• Bilingual, especially Spanish-English

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Our selection process entails:

• Application
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Interview - You will be asked to meet with our hiring team, and you are encouraged to ask us any questions about the position and PYB at this time.

To apply: email resume and cover letter to jobs@pybpdx.org. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive until the position is filled. Please send your cover letter and resume as attachments (Word or PDF). No phone calls or visits please. For more information, visit our website at www.pybpdx.org.

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Portland YouthBuilders' mission connects us to people and communities across Portland. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and an equal opportunity program. In accordance with Federal Law no person shall be discriminated against or denied benefits as a participant, administrator or staff based on age, disability, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy or childbirth), race/ethnicity, national origin (including limited English proficiency), citizenship or status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, political affiliation or religious belief. Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY 1-800-735-2900. To place a free relay call in Oregon, dial 711.

The Bridge program is financed in part with funds provided through Worksystems from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA Nondiscrimination Statement), Washington County, Multnomah County, Prosper Portland, and TriMet as well as been made possible in part by grants from the City of Portland, TriMet, the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, the Portland Children's Levy, the Oregon Youth Development Division, and the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

PYB employees and full-time volunteers must successfully complete a criminal background and drug test check prior to employment. Portland YouthBuilders is a Drug Free Workplace and adheres to the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act. Portland YouthBuilders' students and staff may be subject to random drug tests.