Career Coach

About the role

The Career Coach provides comprehensive workforce development and case management services to individuals participating in the VOA Work Program. This position guides participants through every stage of the employment process—from career planning to job placement, retention, and career advancement. Career Coaches collaborate with employers, community partners, and internal staff to ensure participants receive the support and resources needed for long-term employment and self-sufficiency. The role requires a compassionate, participant-centered approach while maintaining compliance with grant requirements, documentation standards, and organizational policies.

What you’ll need

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Business, Education, Workforce Development, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum one year of experience in workforce development, employment services, case management, vocational rehabilitation, behavioral health, recovery support, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment preferred.
• Experience providing case management or career coaching preferred.

Responsibilities

Participant Recruitment & Enrollment

• Conduct outreach activities to recruit eligible participants.
• Develop individualized employment and service plans.
• Explain program expectations, participant responsibilities, and available services.

Career Development & Employment Services

• Provide individualized career coaching and employment counseling.
• Assist participants with career exploration and pathway planning.
• Help participants establish short-term and long-term employment goals.
• Conduct resume revisions and assist with employment applications.
• Conduct mock interviews and interview preparation.
• Teach job search strategies and networking techniques.
• Assist participants with digital literacy and online employment resources.
• Provide ongoing coaching throughout employment.

Workforce Readiness

• Facilitate workforce readiness training.
• Ensure participants complete required workforce readiness curriculum.

Training & Education Coordination

• Monitor participant progress throughout training.
• Assist participants in overcoming barriers to successful completion.

Supportive Services

• Assess participant needs and coordinate supportive services including:
  • Transportation assistance
  • Interview clothing and work attire
  • Work tools and equipment
  • Hygiene products
  • Identification assistance
  • Childcare referrals
  • Housing referrals
  • Utility assistance referrals
  • Food resources
  • Community resource referrals
• Document all supportive services provided according to program requirements.

Employer Engagement

• Develop relationships with local employers.
• Identify employment opportunities and match participants with available positions.
• Coordinate interviews and advocate before employment is obtained.
• Follow up with employers after placement.
• Promote the benefits of hiring program participants.
• Maintain positive employer relationships.

Job Placement & Retention

• Assist participants in obtaining competitive employment.
• Verify employment placements.
• Conduct regular employment retention follow-up.
• Address workplace concerns that may impact job retention.
• Provide coaching to support career advancement.
• Maintain contact with participants throughout required follow-up periods.

Case Management

• Maintain regular contact with assigned participants.
• Monitor progress toward employment goals.
• Update employment plans as needed.
• Coordinate services with community partners and advocate for participants when appropriate.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete case notes within required organizational timelines.
• Maintain complete and accurate participant files.
• Enter participant information into required databases.
• Track participant outcomes and performance measures.
• Ensure documentation complies with grant requirements and VOA policies.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency standards.

Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, community agencies, government agencies, and workforce partners.
• Represent VOA professionally within the community.

Team Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Collaborate with Workforce Development Specialists and leadership.
• Share employment leads and community resources.
• Support team initiatives and program goals.
• Participate in quality assurance activities.
• Assist with special projects and outreach events.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Health and Wellness Program
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options
• Short-term disability coverage
• MetLife legal plans
• Life insurance (company paid)
• 403(b) retirement plan with company fund matching
• Employee discounts
• Loan forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
• All company-paid benefits and paid time off effective day one
• Access to VOA LEAD Program (Leadership Development), VOA University (Staff Development), and VOA Academy (Clinical Training and Development)
• Participation in culture and development committees (Commitment, Justice, Integrity, Compassion, Retention)