Career Navigator - Career Services

SUMMARY

The Career Navigator serves as the primary guide and accountability partner for participants during Phase II of the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator service delivery model. Through coaching, career planning, and connection to training and employment opportunities, the Career Navigator empowers participants to successfully progress through the Opportunity Accelerator Framework toward sustainable employment and long-term career advancement.

Career Navigators build trusting relationships that promote participant ownership, resilience, confidence, and career success while coordinating services that address barriers to employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

· Career Coaching and Planning

· Maintain an active caseload of 30-50 program participants.

· Support transition phases as clients move through the Opportunity Accelerator Framework, which includes Phase I (assess and plan), Phase II (equip and connect), and Phase III (launch and elevate).

· Conduct career discovery conversations with a person-centered, holistic approach.

· Participate in training with Workforce Solutions of Great Dallas and work with program

participants to establish Work In Texas accounts that will determine eligibility for training programs on the Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL).

· Interpret assessment results (digital literacy and career assessments) and develop individualized career plans aligned with participant goals.

· Collaborate closely with Mission Services team to be able to identify career pathways aligned with participant interests and labor market opportunities, and coordinate enrollment into training, workshops, and career readiness activities.

· Deliver ongoing coaching focused on skill development, career advancement, motivation, and accountability.

· Monitor participant progress and adjust action plans as needed and encourage participant ownership of career goals and next steps.

· Work closely with Workforce Pathways team to prepare participants for transition to employment.

· Documentation and Compliance

· Maintain accurate participant records in a timely manner via Case Worthy, which includes but is not limited to documenting coaching sessions, updating career plans and participant milestones, certifications achieved, and other services provided.

· Ensure documentation meets organizational and funding requirements.

· Complete Career Navigator Certification through GII and maintain ongoing learnings in best practices of the Opportunity Accelerator service model.

· Collect client impact stories for the Mission and Advancement department to publish in communication channels like e-newsletters, annual reports, and website.

· Team Collaboration

· Maintain knowledge of process across all points of the Opportunity Accelerator model to serve as backup for administration, intake, digital skills, and other duties as assigned.

· Operate with a spirit of service to work as a team with administration, intake, instructors, business engagement specialists, and leaders to ensure high quality, timely customer service to program participants.

· Maintain knowledge of available community resources and process for connecting program participants to referral help.

· Support special events, orientations, job fairs, and hiring mixers, which sometimes occur outside of standard business hours.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

The list below is representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability utilized while performing this job.

1. Commitment to Goodwill’s Core Values.

2. Strong customer service and communication skills.

3. Ability to follow processes, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing needs.

4. Ability to work professionally and patiently with individuals from diverse backgrounds with barriers to employment.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal).

2. Ability to build trust with culturally and linguistically diverse participants.

3. Provide coaching services in English and Spanish.

4. Translate or review participant-facing materials for clarity and accessibility.

5. Assist the department in identifying language-access barriers and recommending improvements.

Education and/or Experience:

· Formal education in a relevant field is preferred but not required.

· 2+ years of experience in workforce development or coaching role.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and encourage program participants with positivity and problem-solving approach.

· Knowledge of the local workforce landscape, services, training programs, and community resources.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and case management systems, such as Case Worthy.

· Proactive and hands-on and able to develop and motivate others.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

(e.g. physical or environmental requirements, irregular work schedule, required license or certification, background check)

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

1. Regularly lift and /or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.

2. Vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

3. Standing and walking for long periods of time.

4. Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, push and pull.

5. Sufficient mobility to turn from side to side and the ability to lean and remove items from containers.

6. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic).

Goodwill is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.