The Career Coach is an essential support system for participants, empowering them to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future through employment and career advancement. The Career Coach provides job seekers with tailored support and case management services, helping them access training, career counseling, and job placement opportunities. This role involves conducting assessments, creating individualized employment plans, and coordinating supportive services that align with each participant’s unique needs. The Career Coach plays a critical role in promoting sustainable employment and career growth by offering ongoing guidance and connecting participants with necessary resources. This role is ideal for a compassionate, detail-oriented individual dedicated to helping others achieve career stability and independence.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Workforce Development, or a related field (preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in case management, workforce development, social services, or a related area (preferred).
• Knowledge of WIOA guidelines, workforce programs, and employment barriers diverse populations face.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a supportive and empathetic approach to client service.
• Proficiency in case management software and data entry.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to create and manage individualized service plans.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and supportive services.
• The ability to work effectively with diverse populations and handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Complete CWDP course and exam within 3 months of employment and secure CWDP certification within 12 months of employment.
• Work flexible hours, including early morning, evenings, and weekends is required.
• Travel to various locations, such as businesses, worksites, off-site meetings, and other related events.
  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participant Assessment and Intake:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate participants’ skills, career interests, and employment barriers.
• Guide participants through program enrollment, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements and understand available WIOA services.
• Explain program benefits and resources to participants, setting clear expectations and goals.

2. Individualized Employment Planning:

• Develop personalized employment plans that outline participants’ career objectives, skill development needs, and steps for achieving sustainable employment.
• Identify appropriate training programs, job placement services, and career pathways aligned with participant goal through occupational training, employer based training, supportive services, and other basic and individualized career services.
• Regularly review and update employment plans to reflect participants’ progress and changing needs.

3. Ongoing Case Management and Support:

• Provide continuous support to participants, helping them address challenges and stay on track with their employment goals.
• Facilitate referrals to supportive services such as transportation, childcare, housing assistance, and mental health resources.
• Monitor participant progress in training and employment, providing additional coaching or support as necessary.

4. Employer and Community Engagement:

• Work with job developers and employers to identify job openings and create participant placement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and service providers to expand resources available to participants.
• Stay informed of local labor market trends and employers' needs to guide participants effectively.

5. Data Collection, Reporting, and Compliance:

• Maintain detailed, accurate case notes and documentation per WIOA guidelines.
• Track participant outcomes, including job placements, retention rates, and training completions.
• Prepare and submit reports demonstrating program effectiveness, compliance, and participant progress.

6. Participant Advocacy and Career Counseling:

• Advocate for participants by ensuring they receive fair treatment and equal access to program resources and opportunities.
• Provide resume building, interview preparation, and career coaching tailored to each participant’s career field.
• Empower participants to navigate the job market, building skills and confidence needed for long-term career success.

7. Outreaching

• Engage and connect with community members, organizations, and partners to promote program awareness and services.
• Conduct outreach activities (in-person, phone, social media, community events) to recruit and inform potential participants.
• Provide information, resources, and referrals to individuals based on their needs and program eligibility.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, agencies, employers, and community groups.
• Track outreach efforts, document participant interactions, and maintain accurate records.
• Support program events, orientations, and workshops to increase community participation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to inspect work visually. Manual dexterity is required to operate computers and other office equipment.

The physical demands described above represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

ABOUT JVS SOCAL

Founded in 1931, JVS-SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency providing job training, education, career services, mentoring, and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence. JVS SoCal currently serves over 30,000 clients annually at over 20 locations throughout Southern California. As JVS SoCal continues to grow, we continue to look for qualified, dedicated staff to join us and play a role in transforming lives and bettering our communities throughout SoCal and beyond!