Jewish Vocational Service

Position: Career Coach

Reports to: Career Path Programs Manager

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. It assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.

POSITION SUMMARY: Career Path Programs (CPP) provide goal-based, one-on-one coaching that supports client growth through enrollment in job training, education, employment in quality jobs, and financial coaching. Clients enrolling in CPP face multiple barriers to advancement arising from poverty. The GEM Career Coach is responsible for creating individualized goal plans and providing direct one-on-one coaching that supports client progress through short- and long-term goals with the ultimate goal of securing quality employment. The coach also helps clients access both internal JVS training programs as well as offerings from outside providers and secure funding when necessary. The coach initiates and sustains collaborative relationships with a variety of businesses in greater Boston to create employment opportunities for clients and maintain communication with referral partners at various agencies. Successful candidates need excellent interpersonal skills, comfort delivering services in person as well as via technical platforms, strong organizational and time management skills, and strong knowledge about issues related to individuals with significant barriers to employment.

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 that establish or advance their careers.
• Work collaboratively in a structured and ongoing manner with the CPP Manager and other members of the Career Path Programs team.
• Collaborate with career coaches across Career Path Programs to provide high-quality 1:1 job search coaching, including interview preparation, creation of targeted resumes, personal branding, self-marketing strategies, and social media.
• Assist clients by identifying barriers and implementing strategies to overcome them to facilitate progress toward their goals and program outcomes.
• Actively develop, engage, and maintain employer relationships consistent with client career goals within the client service area.
• Target appropriate employment opportunities based on the 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 programs, external training providers, and partner organizations.
• Understand and apply knowledge of local and national labor market trends to assist job seekers in identifying 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, and funders) and work collaboratively in a structured and ongoing manner.
• Work as part of a team, sharing job leads and training opportunities and collaborating on workshops, classes, group interviews, and other initiatives as needed.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure performance goals are met.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and team-based projects.
• Assist team members in CPP and across the agency when needed.

Administrative/Communication

• Track, maintain, and report on outcome data and enrollment.

• Communicate regularly with the supervisor to ensure the smooth delivery of services.
• Resolve disagreements and conflicts in a professional and productive manner.

• Organize and maintain files and records.
• Contribute to program summary reports for funders, JVS leadership, and other stakeholders.

• Meet monthly with representatives of program referral partners and funders to discuss the program.
• Perform other duties as requested.

MINIMUM 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 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.
• Bilingual or fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to manage projects autonomously.
• Ability to work well under pressure, think independently, and be a problem solver when challenges arise.

• Excellent phone skills, including willingness to introduce JVS services 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 at all levels of the organization.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: Associate’s Degree in Communications, Business/Marketing, Human Services, Education, or a related field.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a hybrid position requiring two days per week onsite in downtown Boston and three days working remotely.

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.