Lead Career Coach - Rapid E2E

Job Description

Job Description

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 Lead Career Coach for Rapid English 2 Employment initiates, strengthens, and sustains key employer and community partnerships; supervises and supports direct service staff; and oversees programming which serves refugees and immigrants seeking rapid employment and Vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages (VESOL) classes. The Lead Career Coach also provides direct services including high quality career counseling, training, and job placement assistance to refugee and immigrant participants in the greater Boston area and Brockton.  

This individual must have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. Program participants include refugees from Afghanistan, Haiti, Ukraine and other countries who recently resettled in Massachusetts; immigrant parents who are receiving public benefits (TANF/TAFDC), and other individuals eligible for Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program employment services. Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply. 

*This role requires minimum of 2 days per week in-person in our Brockton office (142 Crescent St, Brockton, MA 02302), and may include other days as needed in our main Boston office (75 Federal St, Boston, 02110) 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:   

Accountability and Results Focused

• Establishes, tracks and meets program dashboard indicators (ex. enrollment, placements, retention, skill attainment, client satisfaction, staff skill development, staff retention, staff performance) 

• Evaluates program performance on a regular basis and provides course correction when necessary 

• Enroll new participants via outreach and frequent communication with referral agencies and community partners. 

• Assist program participants in initial goal setting, career planning, and training leading to job placement, skills upgrades and career advancement. 

• Assist program participants in individual, group, and classroom settings in job-search-related activities; provide job readiness and vocational training as needed. 

• Escort participants to job interviews and facilitate interview and hiring process, as needed. 

• Actively develop new and maintain existing employer relationships. 

• Provide post-placement services including follow-up with participant and employer. 

• Establish, track and meet program dashboard indicators (enrollment, job placement, retention, etc.) 

  Build Relationships, Collaboration and Teamwork  

• Takes ownership of the Lead Career Coach role as leader for JVS staff, clients and partners  

• Supports and promotes the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency 

• Establishes relationships with key stakeholders (clients, employers, partner organizations, funders) and works collaboratively in a structured and on-going manner 

• Models expected behaviors for JVS staff, clients, and volunteers 

• Works collaboratively with and encourages collaboration between JVS teams and team members to ensure agency performance goals are met 

• Creates a work environment where all staff and clients feel heard, can express ideas, learn, problem solve and succeed 

Program Leadership 

• Hires, trains and supervises program staff 

• Plans and promotes professional development to maintain proficiency of staff members in job placement techniques and the use of new methods and technology to meet placement objectives  

• Provides all supervisees with a written annual evaluation meeting all agency deadlines for the process 

• Provides oversight of outreach, assessment, enrollment, and delivery of services 

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current workforce development trends, local labor market information, job listings, training opportunities and support services 

• Promotes and develops employment opportunities consistent with the participants’ vocational goals and skills 

• Increases internal and external visibility of programs  

• Generates strategy and solutions in response to unforeseen and planned changes, setbacks and challenges 

• Exercises flexibility to staff learning styles, and sets appropriate limits to ensure all staff perform successfully to meet program goals 

• Assists program staff in areas of difficulty and provides additional support when needed 

• Provides leadership in resolving disagreements and conflict in a professional and productive manner 

Administrative/Communication:  

• Communicates regularly with Supervisor to ensure successful program performance 

• Ensures that all key program data is entered accurately, completely and on time into relevant data tracking systems 

• Develops and submits regular program performance reports to JVS leadership, funders, evaluators and other stakeholders 

• Develops and updates program related forms and procedures on an ongoing basis 

• Performs other duties as requested 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:   

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field 

• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development, coaching or related field  

• Minimum of 2 years of program/contract management and supervisory experience preferred  

• Ability to analyze course outcomes and propose means to achieve desired outcomes 

• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team