Career Navigator (Read Blvd)

Essential Functions

Aid participants in crafting and executing a personalized Individual Career Plan that aligns with their goals and promotes self-sufficiency. Provide mentorship, identify needs, assess employability, recognize barriers, and maintain consistent contact with participants through various methods to support their career journey.

Responsibilities

This role demands a deep understanding of coaching and mentoring to effectively support program participants. Utilize creativity, leadership, and strong communication skills to guide participants, identify barriers, and develop strategies to overcome them. Create and implement a leadership development framework to empower participants and foster long-term self-sufficiency.

Career Navigation

Develop and implement individualized career plans that encourage self-sufficiency and personal growth. Conduct assessments to determine immediate and long-term needs, employability, and barriers or assets affecting participants' success. Educate participants about their rights, responsibilities, and available services.

Participant Information Collection and Evaluation

Collect and evaluate participant information to determine eligibility for internal and external program services. Ensure accurate documentation and support participant requests for assistance. Maintain case documentation and update participant records to comply with grant requirements.

Individualized Career Planning

Collaborate with participants to create an Individualized Career Plan (ICP), identify goals, assess needs, set clear goals, outline actionable steps, and suggest relevant development activities. Regularly review and adjust career plans to align with evolving participant needs and goals.

Case Management Activities

Conduct essential case management tasks, assist with job searches, provide referrals, prepare success stories, attend meetings or training sessions, and travel as needed to support participants with specific needs or site visits. Generate and pull reports related to participant progress and program outcomes.

Crisis Management and Reporting

Inform the Workforce Manager of any unusual or crisis situations, providing guidance and ensuring proper handling. Keep the Workforce Manager informed of any issues and act as a liaison between participants and program partners to ensure access to supportive services and resources.

Professional Development

Stay updated with relevant job-related rules, statutes, and laws by reading professional literature, attending workshops, and participating in meetings and seminars. Enhance career navigation skills and knowledge to improve service delivery to participants.

Collaboration with External Agencies

Work with court systems and local, state, federal, and social services agencies to coordinate program services and ensure compliance with service mandates.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to assess cases accurately and utilize appropriate community resources to provide effective services to participants
• Strong initiative and independent judgment to work within established procedural guidelines
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, manage time efficiently, and complete projects independently to meet critical deadlines
• Detail-oriented, with a focus on maintaining accurate records and files related to work performed
• Contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or program goals, objectives, and activities
• Strong communication skills, including verbal, written, phone, and email correspondence
• Excellent public relations skills and the ability to work effectively with employees, participants, and the public
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and participants
• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English
• Flexibility to work occasional long hours, including weekends, to meet program needs
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced work environment, even under high-stress conditions
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all participants and program-related information

Requirements

• Minimum of BA or BS degree in criminal justice, social work, employment counseling, placement, human services, or public administration
• One-year experience in similar roles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in operating a computer and using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Own transportation
• Clear OMV check
• Valid driver's license and current vehicle registration, liability insurance, and vehicle inspection
• Ambulatory

Physical/Mental Demands

• Tolerate frequent periods of high stress, heavy workload, and multiple priorities
• See, hear, speak, and otherwise communicate effectively