Summary
Career Navigation is an evidence-based career coaching model utilized by Palmetto Goodwill since 2017 (The Skilling America Career Coaching Certification) to help program participants gain advancement and living wages. A Career Navigator I provides the following services: fostering and promoting positive customer experience in the assigned Career Opportunity Center (COC) to the public through training and job placement assistance; establishing mutually beneficial relationships with partner organizations, local businesses, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to successfully promote Palmetto Goodwill's programs and services; providing basic services that assist COC customers and program participants in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment so they can achieve economic well-being and self-sufficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of Career Opportunity Center to include assisting a diverse population of job seekers with all employment preparation and job searching tasks as needed; interviewing to determine eligibility, barriers to employment, skills, career interests, and employability; reviewing job leads; technology assistance; resume development and application completion; direct job referrals; work readiness counseling, and community resource referrals.
• Works closely with Training Department to offer monthly workshops and trainings based on job seekers' needs.
• Provides follow-up services to job seekers to determine job placement information.
• Maintains daily, weekly, and monthly reports and transmits them to the supervisor promptly.
• Conducts employment needs assessments with individual program participants during the job search process to provide the desired/required assistance, including but not limited to completion and review of job applications, networking with prospective employers, conducting mock interviews, and reviewing and editing resumes.
• Recommends nationally recognized credentialed job training programs based on participant’s employment goals and skill sets.
• Completes employment and financial plans with the participants that clearly defines their employment and financial goals; gathers input from participant and outlines what steps are required for them to meet established goals.
• Provides follow-up contacts to ensure continued placement and sustainability of employed participants; schedules follow-ups at a minimum at "exit," six months, and twelve months.
• Develops rapid response action plans to assist participants who experience job losses in finding new employment opportunities to ensure retention goals are met.
• Identifies community business partners and establishes relationships with employers for hiring program participants.
• Coordinates with community agencies who assist with employment and supportive services.
• Maintains contact with other agencies regarding referrals and resources.
• Engages and participates in hiring events and/or interviews; ensures timely dissemination of these opportunities to program participants.
• Maintains a current job listing/database and provides appropriate job leads to clients.
• Enters client information into the appropriate databases, maintains accurate case notes, records program activities, and conducts case coordination as required.
• Works with the Palmetto Warrior Connection team to assist veterans and their eligible family members.
• Complies with all agency policies, procedures, and safety standards throughout all work areas; maintains same to meet CARF, Department of Labor, and other regulatory standards.
• Performs other job-related tasks and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for the mission of the organization.
• Client-focused, caring with a strong desire to help those in need, and willing to go the extra mile for their clients.
• Superior customer service skills, the ability to handle competing priorities effectively, the ability to provide positive reinforcement to a wide variety of customers with varying skill levels, and creativity.
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before groups.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Multi-task effectively, and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events; be flexible and/or adaptable as work requirements change.
• Meet deadlines and work autonomously.
• Thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
• Work effectively in a team-based environment.

  Must have:

• Proficient writing skills, with a focus on correct style, grammar, and content.
• Strong time management skills and project management skills, focusing on handling multiple participants' needs simultaneously.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, writing, and presentation skills.
• A valid driver's license and automobile insurance acceptable to Goodwill's liability insurance carrier.

Preferred:

• Understanding of job markets, essential skillsets for various jobs, employer needs, and employee training and development.

Education and Experience
High School Degree or GED preferred and one (1) year of relevant experience or certifications. If no High School Degree or GED must enroll in the High School Degree program or GED within the first 90 days of employment.

Physical Demands
While performing these job duties, the employee is regularly required to: talk and/or hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.