College and Career Readiness Instructor

College and Career Readiness Instructor

Youth Justice and Education Services

Hartford Juvenile Detention Center and Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center

Position Overview

Youth Justice and Education Services (YJES) is seeking a dynamic and passionate College and Career Readiness Instructor to empower youth residing in the Hartford and Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Centers. The instructor will facilitate engaging, trauma informed programming that equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to successfully transition into postsecondary education, vocational training, military service, apprenticeships, and meaningful employment.

This position plays a critical role in supporting youth as they develop career aspirations, strengthen workforce readiness skills, and create individualized transition plans that promote successful reintegration into their communities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver an engaging College and Career Readiness curriculum that promotes workforce development, career exploration, and postsecondary planning
• Facilitate instruction in career coaching, professional etiquette, workplace communication, financial literacy, and personal goal setting
• Assist students with resume development, cover letters, job applications, interview preparation, and professional introductions
• Administer career interest assessments and guide students in developing individualized career and education plans
• Provide instruction on college admissions, FAFSA, vocational and technical education programs, apprenticeships, military pathways, and industry recognized credentials
• Conduct mock interviews, workplace simulations, and hands on career readiness activities
• Foster self advocacy, leadership, teamwork, accountability, and decision making skills
• Maintain accurate attendance, progress monitoring, and program documentation
• Collaborate with detention center staff, educators, workforce partners, colleges, employers, and community organizations to support successful youth transitions
• Create a positive, culturally responsive, trauma informed learning environment that promotes hope, resilience, and future planning

About Youth Justice and Education Services

Youth Justice and Education Services is dedicated to enhancing and transforming lives through education, innovation, and leadership. Our College and Career Readiness Program prepares youth in detention for successful reentry by providing structured workforce readiness instruction, career exploration, postsecondary planning, and individualized transition support. Through hands on learning experiences, students build confidence, develop employability skills, and create meaningful pathways toward education, employment, and lifelong success.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, Career and Technical Education, Business, Workforce Development, or a related field
• Minimum of three years of experience in education, workforce development, career counseling, college access, or youth development
• Experience teaching or facilitating instruction with adolescents or young adults
• Strong knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, career pathways, vocational education, apprenticeships, and workforce readiness
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship building skills
• Ability to work effectively with justice involved youth and students from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, restorative practices, and positive youth development

Preferred

• Connecticut educator certification or eligibility
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Work Schedule

This position may include evening and weekend programming based on operational needs and program schedules.

Typical instructional schedule includes:

• Tuesday: Career Coaching and Goal Development
• Wednesday: Workforce Readiness Skills
• Thursday: Resume and Interview Preparation
• Saturday: Postsecondary and Vocational Planning