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.
Position Summary
- The Career Navigator, Workforce Pathways provides high-quality career coaching and job placement support to participants enrolled in workforce training and career pathway programs, including trades and reentry-focused initiatives. This role helps participants identify career goals, develop actionable plans, and connect to training, education, and employment opportunities that support skill development and career advancement.
- Under the direction of the Manager of Workforce Pathways, the Career Navigator delivers individualized 1:1 coaching and group-based services, including career assessments, resume development, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional development workshops. The Career Navigator supports job development and placement efforts by engaging employers and coordinating opportunities for participants during training and after graduation.
- The Career Navigator works closely with internal teams, employer partners, and training providers to support successful transitions into employment. This role plays a key part in advancing economic mobility by helping participants navigate career pathways and connect to sustainable job opportunities.
Essential Responsibilities
- Accountability and Results Focused
- Manage an active participant caseload, delivering high-quality 1:1 career coaching that supports career goal setting, action planning, and follow-through.
- Provide job readiness services, including assessments, resume support, interview preparation, and job search coaching, to strengthen participant readiness and confidence.
- Support participant placement outcomes by identifying job leads, coordinating referrals, and assisting with applications, interviews, and hiring steps.
- Build and maintain relationships with employers and hiring partners to expand job opportunities aligned with participant interests, skills, and training areas.
- Deliver professional development workshops and group sessions, using participant feedback to improve engagement and learning outcomes.
- Track participant progress, services, and outcomes in required systems (e.g., Salesforce, MOSES), ensuring timely, accurate, and complete documentation.
- Monitor participant progress toward training completion, credentials, placement, and retention goals, escalating barriers and coordinating supports as needed.
- Collaborate with the Workforce Pathways team, colleagues across the organization, and external stakeholders to strengthen participant experience, program coordination, and employment outcomes.
- Build Relations, Collaborations and Teamwork
- Build and maintain positive, trust-based relationships with participants to support engagement, persistence, and successful outcomes.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with employer partners, training providers, and community partners to support job placement and career exploration.
- Work collaboratively with Workforce Pathways team members, instructors, and colleagues across the organization to coordinate services and address participant needs.
- Serve as a liaison for participants, employer partners, and training providers to resolve issues and support successful outcomes.
- Participate actively in team meetings, case conferencing, and cross-program projects to strengthen coordination and shared learning.
- Contribute to a team culture that values collaboration, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Represent JVS/MassHire and promote program services, resources, and opportunities with participants, partners, and the broader community.
- Communicate regularly with the Manager of Workforce Pathways to share updates, flag challenges, and support program goals.
- Administrative/Communication:
- Accurately document participant services, progress, and outcomes in required data systems (e.g., Salesforce, MOSES) in a timely manner.
- Track participant engagement, training completion, job placement, and retention outcomes to support program goals and reporting requirements. Prepare and submit required documentation, case notes, and updates to support internal monitoring and funder reporting.
- Maintain organized participant files and records in compliance with confidentiality, data security, and program requirements.
- Communicate effectively with participants, employers, and partners using clear, professional, and supportive language.
- Participate in meetings, trainings, case conferences, and cross-team collaborations as required.
- Support outreach, workshop scheduling, and coordination of career-related activities and events.
- Perform additional administrative and operational tasks as assigned to support program success.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in career coaching, workforce development, case management, employment services, or a related field preferred.
- Experience providing 1:1 coaching and group-based services to job seekers or program participants.
- Demonstrated ability to support participants with job readiness, job search strategies, and career planning.
- Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those facing barriers to employment, preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate documentation, and meet deadlines.
- Comfort using data systems (e.g., Salesforce, MOSES, or similar databases) and standard technology tools.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced, participant-centered environment.
Education Required:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field such as Workforce Development, Career Coaching/Counseling, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Human Resources, or a related area.
- Relevant lived and/or professional experience may be considered in place of a degree.
Key Competencies:
- Accountability and Results focused
- Adapting to Change
- Building Relationships, Collaboration and Teamwork
- Cultural Competency and Respect
- Communication Skills
- Initiative
- Emotional Intelligence
- Position Knowledge
Job Competencies:
- Career Coaching & Pathway Planning
- Job Readiness & Placement Support
- Employer Engagement & Job Development
- Workshop & Group Facilitation
- Participant Data & Outcomes Tracking
- Labor Market & Employment Knowledge
- Cross-Team Collaboration
- Commitment to Equity & Economic Mobility
Additional Information
- Reading
- Language
- Ability to sit for periods of time
- Regular attendance
- Detailed work
- Math
- Speaking
- Listening Skills
- Confidentiality
- Ability to manage multiple tasks
- Problem Solving
- Verbal and Written Communication Skills
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.
