Career Coach, Urban Edge

Jewish Vocational Service

Job Description

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers; and to partner with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces.
 
JVS provides a broad range of services including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.
 
POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Career Path Programs (CPP) Manager, the Career Coach provides targeted, individualized coaching services that connect low-income clients with training, education, and/or employment opportunities consistent with their personal goals. In addition to working one-on-one with clients, the coach will also develop key partnerships with potential employers and training providers outside of JVS. Successful candidates must have strong networking, outreach, marketing, and time and project management capabilities, as well as exceptional communication skills and a strong commitment to the program mission and goals.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 
Accountability and Results Focused:
  • Assist job seekers in goal setting, identifying barriers and mapping out a plan leading to job placement or skill upgrades through either job training or educational enrollment to establish or advance their career.
  • Collaborate with career coaches across CPP to provide high quality 1:1 job search coaching including interview preparation, resume creation and tailoring, personal branding, self-marketing strategies, and social media.
  • Assist clients by identifying barriers and implementing strategies to overcome them to facilitate progress towards their goals and program outcomes.
  • Actively develop, engage, and maintain employer relationships consistent with client career goals.
  • Target appropriate employment opportunities based on job seeker’s experience, skills, and career goals.
  • Assist clients in selection and enrollment in education and training programs; provide follow up support to ensure retention and successful completion.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including internal JVS training and education programs and external training providers and partner organizations.
  • Understand and apply knowledge of local and national labor market trends to assist job seekers to identify career opportunities and identify appropriate training and employment opportunities.
 
Build relationships, collaboration, and teamwork:
  • Support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency.
  • Establish and maintain harmonious relationships with key stakeholders (community-based organizations, government agencies, participants, partner organizations, funders,) and work collaboratively in a structured and on-going manner.
  • Work as part of a team, sharing job leads, training opportunities and collaborating on workshops, classes, group interviews and other initiatives as needed.
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and team-based projects.
  • Assist fellow team members in CPP and across the agency when needed.

Administrative/Communication
  • Track, maintain and report on outcome data and enrollment.
  • Collect all required data points, application documents and verifications to ensure a complete enrollment.
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date information in all databases.
  • Communicate regularly with supervisor to insure smooth delivery of services.
  • Resolve disagreements and conflict in a respectful and productive manner.
  • Organize and maintain files and records.
  • Contribute to program summary reports for funders, JVS leadership, and other stakeholders.
  • Perform other duties as requested.
 

MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 1-3 years of experience in workforce development or related field required.
  • 1-3 years of experience in working with individuals with barriers to employment strongly desired.
  • Demonstrated experience with public speaking, networking, and marketing.
  • Willingness to work independently in a remote service delivery as well as in person according to agency protocols.
  • Strong organizational skills, including strategic planning, creating work systems, and organizing team efforts.
  • Ability to manage projects autonomously.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, think independently and be a problem solver when challenges arise
  • Knowledge of community resources and web-based resources preferred.
  • Comfortable traveling around Boston neighborhoods.
  • Excellent phone skills, including willingness to cold call organizations and individuals to introduce JVS and our clients.
  • Flexible and adaptable with an ability to readjust plans quickly to handle new problems or concerns.
  • Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a diverse group of clients and external partners.
  • Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills required.
 
EDUCATION REQUIRED: Associate degree in Communications, Business/Marketing, Human Services, Education, or related field.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a hybrid position that includes some remote work, some presence on site at JVS offices, and some presence on site at our project partner’s offices in Roxbury. Both on site locations are accessible via public transit.
 
JVS CULTURE: JVS is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates and values employee differences and similarities. By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, JVS will better serve our local communities and continue to provide quality services.
 
JVS is an employment at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, JVS prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.