Career Navigator

Position: Career Navigator                                                             Salary Grade: 3   

Position Class: Learned Professional                                           Supervises: N/A 

Reports to: Lead Career Navigator, Career Path Programs      FLSA: Exempt 

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.   

There is a newly-formed consortium of community-based partners, organized to create a coordinated system of providing outreach, connection and referrals, as well as education, training, and job placements to youth living in subsidized housing who are under- or unemployed and not enrolled in education and training.  

POSITION SUMMARY:    The Career Navigator is responsible for providing high quality job readiness and job search assistance to young adults between the ages of 18-24 who are currently living in subsidized housing. Launch clients often face multiple barriers to program engagement and long-term success; the Career Navigator helps clients identify these barriers and implement strategies to overcome them using a goal-based coaching approach. The Career Navigator initiates and sustains collaborative relationships with a variety of businesses in greater Boston area to cultivate appropriate employment opportunities for participants. This individual will provide job coaching to clients drawn from across Boston and pursue employer engagement in locations accessible to our clients. This position will be 100% remote until public health officials determine that it is safe to resume in person operations.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Accountability and Results Focused:   

• Assist job seekers in goal setting, identifying barriers and mapping out a plan leading to job placement, skills upgrades and career advancement 
• Provide high quality pre-employment and post-employment services such as 1:1 job search coaching, interview practice, resume creation and revision, self-marketing strategies, job retention, and social media   
• Actively develop, engage and maintain employer relationships with businesses interested in hiring opportunity youth 
• Effectively market participants to employers, solicit appropriate job openings, schedule interviews, solicit feedback and confirm placements 
• Target appropriate employment opportunities based on job seeker’s experience, skills and career goals 
• Understand and apply knowledge of internet and social media resources for job seekers 
• Understand and apply knowledge of local and national labor market trends to assist job seekers to identify career opportunities 
• Establish, track, and meet program dashboard indicators using database software 

Build relationships, collaboration and teamwork: 

• Support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency 
• Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with key stakeholders (participants, employers, partner organizations, funders, etc.)  
• Work as part of a team, sharing job leads and collaborating on workshops, job lab, group interviews and any other tasks as needed 
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and team- based projects 
• Help fellow team members when needed 

Administrative/Communication: 

• Demonstrates a professional demeanor with strong customer service skills 
• Treats young people with respect and as a partner in their goal setting and success 
• Demonstrates sensitivity and respect when working with clients and colleagues coming from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds 
• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing with compassion and professionalism 
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date information in all databases 
• Exercises discretion in handling confidential information 
• Communicates regularly with supervisor to insure smooth delivery of services 
• Organize and maintain files and records and contribute to reports as necessary 
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested 

MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:     

• 1-3 years of experience in working with young adults with barriers to employment required 
• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development or related field strongly preferred 
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, fast-paced environment required 
• Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining professional business relationships relevant to employment of others preferred 
• Knowledge of community resources and web-based job search resources and techniques required 
• Experience in recruitment, job development desired 
• Outstanding interpersonal, customer service and organizational skills required 
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new platforms required. 

EDUCATION REQUIRED:  Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Business Administration or related field. 

KEY COMPETENCIES:    

Accountability and Results focused 

Adapting to Change 

Building Relationships, Collaboration and Teamwork 

Cultural Competency and Respect 

Communication Skills 

Initiative  

Planning/Organizing 

Promotes Agency 

JOB COMPETENCIES: 

Demonstrated expertise in producing professional-level resumes 

Proficiency in designing/adapting and presenting workshops and group programs on career-related topics 

Employer engagement/relationship -building 

Tracking program progress and reporting 

MENTAL DEMANDS:  PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Reading  Language     Sitting  Attendance 

Detailed work              Math  Speaking  Listening  

Confidentiality              

Multiple concurrent tasks 

Problem Solving   

Verbal and Written communication 

At JVS, we are 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.