Career Coach

DESCRIPTION:

AAWDC’s JobWorks Arundel (JWA) Career Coaches provide basic and individualized career services to Anne Arundel County residents who receive services through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) , Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) programs.

AAWDC Career Coaches assist participants to achieve family-sustaining wages through career exploration, career coaching, and connecting job seekers to occupational and work-based training and employment placement. The Career Coach will assist job seekers by developing a customized success plan based on customer career levels including those who are starting their careers, transitioning into new careers, or advancing in their careers. The Career Coach assesses barriers to training and employment and develops solutions for overcoming those barriers.  The Career Coach tracks, and document services provided to participants as well as progress towards grant outcomes. Career Coaches also work closely with management to ensure alignment and consistent progress towards grant and organizational goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

·       Provide basic and intensive career coaching and individualized case management services to participants through success planning and implementation according to the guidelines prescribed by the specific program under which they enroll.

·       Administer various career interest and aptitude assessments to determine occupational interests and career paths.

·       Share labor market information with job seekers to enable informed decisions on employment, labor trends and economic conditions. 

·       Refer job seekers to training and/or supportive services to improve their job readiness by utilizing community, training, and educational resources. 

·       Support participants through case management while in training.

·       Work with job developers to engage in job development activities with organizations and agencies to identify employment needs, gain feedback on job seeker needs, and develop strategies for optimizing results. 

·       Perform reporting functions, including but not limited to case management notes, job placement data, follow-up information, etc., into the computer tracking system in compliance with grantor and organizational requirements. 

·       Attend conferences, staff meetings, trainings, and AAWDC functions, as assigned. 

Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree in human resources, human services, education, social services, public administration, and one or more years of case management experience.  

·       Associate degree in human resources, human services, education, social services, public administration and three or more years of case management experience.

·       One or more years working with diverse adult populations.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·       Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to shift priorities to meet AAWDC program needs.

·       Experience working with TANF and/or SNAP recipients preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·       Knowledge of career counseling theories and techniques, including the impact of cultural values and unique needs of a diverse population, must be demonstrable. 

·       Knowledge of and experience in compliance with organizational policies, established procedures, regulatory requirements, and federal and state laws. 

·       Knowledge of TANF, SNAP, and ABAWD programs and guidelines.

·       Excellent organizational skills include the ability to prioritize work and manage deadlines successfully.

·       Commitment to outstanding service delivery, teamwork and client outcomes must be verifiable through references. 

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, to include Excel and Word. 

Licensure and Certifications

Have or able to attain the following certifications:

·       Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP)

·       Certified Professional Resumé Writer (CPRW) or equivalent

·       Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF)

·       Work Place Excellence (WPE)

·       Mental Health First Aid

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position.  Standard office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with flexibility to fulfill 35 hours per week.  This role may require after-hours coverage, typically in the evening, with the potential for weekend work.