Career Coach (PATH- SEMCA Wayne AJC)

Division: Adult Services • Department: SEMCA Wayne AJC (PATH) • Location: Wayne American Job Center (35731 W Michigan Ave, Wayne, MI 48184) • Reports to: Program Manager • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly • Classification: Full-Time Regular

About the role

Assists program participants to obtain stable employment and advance themselves toward economic self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive support services.

Responsibilities

• Interviews potential program participants who have been referred to SERCO for services; reviews applicant’s application and other documentation to assess possible barriers to be addressed.
• Facilitates intake/orientation, explaining AEP/PATH program requirements and expectations.
• Provides comprehensive support services to assigned program participants, including individual counseling, transportation plan development, childcare planning, drug abuse treatment, and other specialized services referrals.
• Works with program participants to develop an ISS plan of action and Career Plan, outlining necessary steps for the individual to increase job readiness, address barriers to employment, and achieve primary and secondary goals.
• Provides counseling and intervention to address observed barriers that may reduce the participant’s chances of successfully completing the program; makes referrals as needed.
• Works with representatives of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Friend of the Court, Department of Corrections, and/or other agencies to ensure participant needs are addressed, including those affecting program compliance.
• Provides referrals to education-related activities that will increase skills and/or lead to certifications needed for basic skills and employment.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with program participants and staff to ensure concerns and barriers to successful program completion are addressed and resolved.
• Maintains participant records, documenting all program activities, attendance records, progress reports, and other required information.
• Attends meetings as required by SERCO, training institutions, or other agencies to address participant concerns.
• Completes follow-up and provides reminders of required documentation and information.
• Conducts home visits as necessary.
• Maintains knowledge of current labor market and occupational trends.
• Contributes to the team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Social Work, guidance, counseling, or a related field.
• One to two years of experience in case management or a related field.
• Working knowledge of local community services and agencies.
• Computer skills necessary to maintain various records and reports.
• Interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with program participants and support agencies.
• Ability to handle pressures related to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of need.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours (evening and/or weekend hours may occasionally be required).
• Valid Michigan Driver’s license and reliable transportation to attend meetings outside the office as needed.

Physical demands

• Regularly required to see, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods, and use hands, arms, and fingers to operate office equipment.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds.

Work environment

• Operates in a normal office/school environment with moderate noise levels.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.