CAREER AND RESOURCE NAVIGATOR at Goodwill of the Coastal – Savannah, Georgia

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Career and Resource Navigator position blends knowledge in operations, human services, and career coaching to empower individuals to achieve meaningful personal and professional goals. Provide support and assistance to internal and external clients (Opportunity Centers or Associate Success Programs) using a holistic support framework in all areas related to gaining and retaining employment, career training and education, career pathing, career advancement, financial stability, and resource navigation. Navigators drive measurable impact through mission driven interactions and activities that support client success in their journey towards personal growth and independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

* Aids individuals with access to Mission Services programs and barrier removal to allow for the highest levels of achievement both personally and professionally.

* Facilitate or directly provide career coaching assistance services to associates and clients including intake, assessment, vocational and financial guidance, career and education search, and placement support.

* Facilitate job readiness & employability skills training in one-on-one and group settings.

* Meet and communicate regularly with all assigned individuals. Establish relationships and maintain contact with employers to promote employment or advancement for eligible job seekers.

* Create Individualized Development & Employment Plans (IDEPs)(External) or Individual Sustainability Plans (ISPs)(Internal) to address short- and long-term career and educational goals as well as barrier removal.

* Develop relationships with local community agencies to identify resources for clients that will assist with barrier removal (Housing, Food, Medical, etc.)

* Communicate regularly with key staff at community partner organizations and develop and maintain up-to-date community resource guide.

* Work with the Business/Community Engagement Specialist to plan, organize and attend career related activities and events such as career fairs, educational resources fairs, classes, etc.

* Build relationships with store managers of the associates that are assigned to caseload.

* Be able to meet with associates to discuss goals during their work shift without interfering with their work performance.

* Partners with the Leadership to foster an organizational experience/culture that influences retention and minimizes turnover through frequent and intentional informal and formal interactions with associates in their assigned territory. This includes side-by-side task completion/engagement, frequent visits to production and sales floors to ensure high visibility and be able to address any questions/needs in the moment as well as scheduled meetings with Associates to perform intake assessments, development plan follow up meetings and to assist with barrier removal and crisis intervention resourcing as well as life skills resourcing.

* Ensure client documentation is completed in a timely manner, and is appropriate according to individualized plans, verified by signatures as well as being accurate and in compliance with all state and federal guidelines.

* Conduct one-on-one follow-up in person, by phone or by email with associates and clients to continually monitor their efforts, measure progress on their action plan, and provide accountability.

* Assists with identifying critical knowledge and/or skill gaps during coaching sessions and appropriately notifies leadership and training and development team of potential need for additional training.

* Champions on-going job & organization specific training by understanding and possessing knowledge of training/initiatives and being able to direct associates to opportunities for internal advancement.

* Possess the professional judgment necessary to make referrals to Human Resources, EAP, and other Resource Providers to help support clients/associates. This duty is performed daily.

* Accomplishes organization mission by completing related assignments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED

* Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Minimum of two (2) years experience in case management, career counseling, or employment service programs preferred.

* Relevant Goodwill experience will be evaluated and may supplement for prior workforce development experience.

* Work with limited supervision.

* Good organizational skills.

* Strong communication ability with all levels of associates, leadership, and external partners.

* Must be able to develop and maintain positive working relationships with associates.

* Work effectively with referral sources and case coordination staff to ensure the continuity of services.

* Proficient in the use of computers and Microsoft office suite.

* Maintain a good driving record, valid insurance, valid driver license.

* Positive attitude, attention to detail, and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and Associate case load.

* Possess a valid Driver s License, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.

* Able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as required.

* Ability to travel to events and sites across Goodwill SEGA s territory as needed.