STEAM Liaison, Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP), operated by the Office of Workforce Development (OWD), is a municipal summer employment program serving more than 950 Cambridge teens year. One of the worksites is the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Career Exploration Program, where a group of six teens spend time at several local STEAM workplaces to learn what is involved in those career pathways.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the STEAM Internship Coordinator, the STEAM Liaison will:

• Be the main point of contact for teens and partner companies throughout the planning phase and program implementation

• Work with the STEAM Internship Coordinator to create and lead a meaningful worksite experience

•  Help teens prepare to be active learners in the workplace

• Take the lead in bringing teens to partner companies throughout the program

• Maintain daily communication with teens and partner company staff

• Help partner companies prepare to host teens

• Act as site supervisor for the program (handling and communicating any issues with teens or partner companies, ensuring seamless transitions throughout the summer.)

• Maintain daily and active communication with the STEAM Internship Coordinator

• Communicate extra learning opportunities to teens

• Be part of a committee in charge of STEAM events throughout the summer

• Provide peer mentorship and support to new Liaison staff

• Keep a daily record including photos on each youth and worksite

• Maintain clear records of youth work hours; collect and organize timesheets and distribute checks

• Assist in evaluation of program; other program related duties as needed

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• At least one year of experience working as a MSYEP Liaison/Counselor preferred.
• Familiarity with STEM/STEAM career paths, prior youth work, and training experience preferred. 
• Background in Cambridge services and neighborhoods a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills, ability to work both independently and in a group, familiarity with issues affecting young people.
• Commitment to Anti-Racism ideals and work.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Office environment with fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office equipment.

• Shared office space can be busy and loud.

• Must be able to lift fifty pounds and participate in activities that require physical exertion.

• Sufficient mobility to travel back and forth fro