Position: Young Adult Career Coach

Reports to: Young Adult Career Center 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. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforces.

Position Summary

JVS MassHire seeks a Young Adult Career Coach to deliver innovative, customer-focused, and technology-driven career services to job seekers 18-24 through the new Young Adult Career Center, a division of the One Stop Career Center, MassHire. The Career Coach, in collaboration with the Career Center team, will assist job seekers from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience to conduct successful job searches and obtain employment. 

Specifically, the Career Coach will provide 1:1 career coaching, assist customers with finding a job, training and employment opportunities, and with career exploration. The successful candidate will facilitate high-quality workshops and incorporate best practices in young adult education and training and has the ability to understand and be sensitive to the needs of the at-risk, economically disadvantaged and court-involved young adults This is a hybrid position with onsite work being conducted at 75 Federal Street, Boston, MA, and offsite services being delivered remotely. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Building relationships, collaboration, and teamwork:

• Support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS / MassHire both internally and outside the agency.
• Function as part of the JVS and MassHire teams to provide high quality workforce development and employment services. 
• Provide individual 1:1 career coaching to young adult job seekers and assess their needs through interviews, observation, and examination of records.
• Teach job search and resume writing skills, as well as interviewing techniques to multicultural populations.
• Interact in a team environment and establish / maintain harmonious working relationships with key stakeholders (participants, colleagues, partner organizations, funders, etc.). 
• Serve and refer customers in accordance with the requirements of the One Stop Career Center Charter and ensure that services are based on an individual‘s career goals.
• Work effectively with other program and administrative staff to ensure the smooth referral of customers to appropriate services and employment opportunities.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and team-oriented projects.
• Provide assistance to Career Center team members as needed.

Accountability and Results Focused:

• Develop and facilitate job readiness, employment skills and life skills workshops for all young adult participants in a team environment

• Provide ongoing career counseling and direct job placement services to young adults 18-24 and utilize occupational, educational and labor market information to aid the young adults in making and carrying out a plan for both short term and long term goals that will lead to self-sufficiency.

• Deliver workshops in a professional manner and demonstrate knowledge of young adult education and facilitation techniques both in person and via Zoom; utilize technology for maximum engagement.
• Display ability to apply knowledge of local and national labor market trends to assist job seekers with identifying viable career opportunities.
• Participate in meetings and planning sessions with MHDB staff and various JVS departmental staff to devise and implement strategies that improve performance and service delivery. 
• Establish and monitor program performance by using the Massachusetts One-Stop Employment System (MOSES) database to meet and/or exceed objectives.

Administrative/Communication:

• Understands and implements policies and best practices as required by the Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center Charter.
• As a public facing team member, demonstrates a professional demeanor at all times and incorporates strong customer service skills.
• Communicates effectively, both in verbal and in written form, and does so with professionalism and compassion. 
• Exercises discretion when handling confidential / proprietary information.
• Participates in meetings and developmental trainings, team projects, and volunteers to serve on committees.
• Communicates regularly with supervisor to ensure smooth delivery of workforce development services.
• Performs other duties as assigned 

MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in related field with two-years’ experience and/or training in career counseling, case management, recruitment, or counseling; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Excellent organization, communication, and multi-tasking skills.
• Experience in establishing/facilitating strong partnerships with external stakeholders.
• High level of computer/technology proficiency including ability to maintain accurate records of services provided through the MOSES database.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills required.
• Knowledge of MassHire Career Center system and regional employment trends is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability and Results focused
• Adapting to Change
• Building Relationships, Collaboration, and Teamwork
• Cultural Competency and Respect
• Communication Skills
• Flexibility
• Taking Initiative 
• Planning/Organizing

JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Customer relationship-building and screening
• Training Provider relationship building
• Tracking program progress and reporting
• Collaboration across departments and agencies

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.