Career Coach

Position: Career Navigator

Salary Grade: 3

Position Class: Learned Professional

Supervises: N/A

Reports to: Lead Navigator, Generating Economic Mobility (GEM)

FLSA: Exempt

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment, build careers, and partner with employers to hire, develop, and retain productive workforces.

JVS provides a broad range of services, including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Lead Navigator of the Generating Economic Mobility program, the Career Navigator provides targeted, individualized client services that connect clients receiving Section 8 housing support with education, training, and employment opportunities consistent with their individual goals. In addition to working on one with clients, the navigator will also develop critical partnerships with potential employers and training providers outside of JVS. Successful candidates must have vital networking, outreach, marketing, time, and project management capabilities, exceptional communication skills, and a solid commitment to the JVS mission and GEM program goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Accountability and Results-Focused:

• Assist job seekers in goal setting, identifying barriers, and mapping out a plan leading to job placement or skill upgrades through either job training or educational enrollment that establish or advance their careers.
• Work collaboratively in a structured and ongoing manner with the GEM Team Lead and other Career Path Programs team members.
• Collaborate with career navigators across Career Path Programs to provide high quality 1:1 job search coaching, including interview preparation, creation of targeted resumes, personal branding, self-marketing strategies, and social media.
• Assist clients by identifying barriers and implementing strategies to overcome them to facilitate progress toward their goals and program outcomes.
• Actively develop, engage, and maintain employer relationships consistent with client career goals within the client service area.
• Target appropriate employment opportunities based on the job seeker’s experience, skills, and career goals.
• Assisted clients in selection and enrollment in education and training programs; provided follow-up support to ensure retention and successful completion.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including internal JVS training programs external training providers, and partner organizations.
• Understand and apply knowledge of local and national labor market trends to assist job seekers in identifying career opportunities and appropriate training and employment opportunities.

Build relationships, collaboration, and teamwork:

• Support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency.
• Establish and maintain harmonious relationships with critical stakeholders (community-based organizations, government agencies, participants, partner organizations, and funders) and work collaboratively in a structured and ongoing manner.
• Work as part of a team, sharing job leads and training opportunities and collaborating on workshops, classes, group interviews, and other initiatives as needed.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure performance goals are met.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and team-based projects.
• When needed, assist fellow team members in GEM, CPP, and across the agency.

Administrative/Communication

• Track, maintain, and report on outcome data and enrollment.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date information in all databases.
• Communicate regularly with the supervisor to ensure the smooth delivery of services.
• Resolve disagreements and conflicts in a professional and productive manner.
• Organize and maintain files and records.
• Contribute to program summary reports for funders, JVS leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development or related field required.
• 1-3 years of experience in working with individuals with barriers to employment strongly desired.
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking, networking, and marketing.
• Willingness to work independently in remote service delivery and in person according to agency protocols when deemed safe.
• Strong organizational skills, including strategic planning, creating work systems, and organizing team efforts.
• Ability to manage projects autonomously.
• Ability to work well under pressure, think independently, and be a problem solver when challenges arise.
• Knowledge of community resources and web-based resources is preferred.
• Excellent phone skills, including willingness to cold call organizations and individuals to introduce JVS and our clients.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to readjust plans quickly to handle new problems or concerns.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a diverse group of clients and external partners at all levels of the organization.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills are required.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: Associate degree in communications, Business/Marketing, Human Services, Education, or a related field.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Accountability and Results focused.

Adapting to Change

Building Relationships, Collaboration, and Teamwork

Cultural Competency and Respect

Communication Skills

Initiative

Planning/Organizing

Promotes Agency

JOB COMPETENCIES:

Successful partnership building

Effective marketing strategy development

Effective marketing material development

Data tracking and analysis

Report writing

Instructional planning

Instructional delivery

Progress tracking

Progress reporting

Student skill attainment

WORKING CONDITIONS: Regular local travel, evening hours, and some weekend availability required.

JVS CULTURE: JVS is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employee differences and similarities. By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, JVS will better serve our local communities and continue to provide quality services.

JVS is an employment at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, JVS prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.