Workforce Navigator-Fairfield County
OhioGuidestone · Lancaster, OH · 1 wk ago
HybridFull-time
About the Role
The Workforce Navigator will provide individualized career coaching, case management, and employment support to help participants achieve education and workforce goals. Build strong partnerships with employers, community organizations, and training providers while delivering job readiness and career development services. Maintain accurate documentation, monitor participant progress, and ensure compliance with program and contract requirements. Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment by supporting participant success, promoting community engagement, and contributing to continuous program improvement.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate the values and guiding principles of OhioGuidestone every day, performing with the highest standards of excellence, integrity, and ethics.
- Build collaborative relationships with clients to support employment goals in community settings.
- Educate clients on public benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how employment may impact them.
- Deliver and integrate curricula including job readiness, PREP, academic support, occupational skills training, career pathways, leadership, financial literacy, and Getting Ahead While Getting Out, based on contract requirements.
- Develop and monitor individualized career pathway plans and IOP’s, updating goals as they evolve.
- Support job development and search activities tailored to each client’s interests, strengths, and goals.
- Build and maintain partnerships with employers, training providers, and educational institutions to facilitate employment and post-secondary placements.
- Create and implement individual employment plans and personal goal plans, offering ongoing support and adjustments as needed.
- Provide case management by identifying barriers and connecting participants to appropriate resources, referrals, and supportive services that promote sustained engagement and success.
- Provide employer education and maintain regular contact to ensure satisfaction and participant success as needed.
- Conduct outreach and engagement efforts for disengaged participants, including home, employer, and community visits as needed.
- Assist with orientation, eligibility, documentation collection, and enrollment.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, reports, and performance tracking tools and upload into appropriate funder data systems.
- Assist with quality assurance and auditing.
- Refer and advocate for external services and follow up as necessary.
- Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and conflict resolution as needed.
- Attend all required trainings, meetings, and conferences assigned by your supervisor.
- Complete all required training prior to deadline both in-person and online through the agency’s learning management system and assigned outside trainings.
- Meet or exceed program performance metrics as defined by contract requirements.
- May be involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of special events/department-specific projects or seasonal program changes.
- Participate in cross-training to develop working knowledge of multiple program functions, ensuring seamless service delivery, collaboration across departments, and the ability to support agency needs as they arise.
- Develop strong community support and collaborative partnerships. Maintain effective linkages with internal and external department staff, outside agency professionals, and other community organizations.
- Promote and support participant recruitment through internal referrals and community outreach.
- Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.
- Exhibit positivity, flexibility, and a willingness to take on new responsibilities as requested or required.
- Demonstrate positive leadership, promote a team-based work environment, and a culture of belonging.
- Present the Agency in the most positive light with all internal and external contacts.
Level II Responsibilities
- Mentor and support peers as a role model as needed.
- Maintain quality paperwork within expected timeframes, with accuracy and minimal errors.
- Demonstrate initiative in improving program operations and outcomes.
- Operate with increased independence and minimal supervision.
Level III Responsibilities
- Serve as a subject matter expert and informal team leader.
- Lead program coordination including outcomes, partnerships, and contract performance.
- Take on advanced responsibilities that support overall program operations.
- Attend and contribute to agency, partner, and funder meetings.
Requirements
Level I
- High school diploma required; Associate degree or higher in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field preferred.
- 1-2 years’ experience working with high-risk/at-risk populations, corrections, or behavioral health.
- Trauma-informed care preferred.
Level II
- Same education requirements as Level I.
- 2-4 years’ experience working with high-risk/at-risk populations, corrections, or behavioral health.
- Crisis intervention experience required.
- Demonstrated independence and initiative.
Level III
- Same education requirements as Level II.
- 2-4 years’ experience working with high-risk/at-risk populations, corrections, or behavioral health.
- Crisis intervention training or experience required.
- Proven leadership demonstrated by taking on additional responsibilities.
- Participation in program operations and external meetings.
- Understanding of contract expectations and compliance.
Qualifications
- Mission-driven; strong desire to make an impact.
- Passion for serving others and achieving meaningful outcomes.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Professional discretion, sound judgment, and reliability.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Proficient in documentation and follow-through.
- Competence with Microsoft Office, Windows, and electronic data management systems.
- Ability to travel to client locations, navigate stairs, and variable environments.
- Possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License with a safe driving record and valid insurance.
- Successfully complete pre-employment screenings, including drug tests, background checks, and any other required assessments, such as a physical examination and TB test.
Benefits
- Stable non-profit organization with a 160+ year track record.
- Clear career ladder for development path in various roles.
- Opportunity to earn monthly bonus (select clinical/therapist and BHS roles only).
- Competitive medical benefits including a low-premium medical plan option for employee or employee + children.
- Free CEU trainings.
- Ten paid holidays; some are exchangeable.
- Flexible work schedules to support work/life balance.
- Flexible work opportunities to support varying career paths, job roles, intern-to-hire, and locations.
- 401(k) with employer match option.
- Employment Assistance Program (EAP).
- Mileage reimbursement.
- Monthly bonus program.
- Recognition and rewards.