Career Coach (Employability)

Goodwill Industries of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Houston seeks a Career Coach to support participants in Vocational Services and related programs. You will guide career planning, provide counseling, assess needs, and assist with job search and retention while coordinating with partner agencies and staff.

Responsibilities include on-site coaching, maintaining confidential records, and delivering readiness workshops across multiple sites as required. A degree is preferred and strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of workforce development, career services, and/or human services experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive, comprehensive employment case management and career planning services.
• Maintain a rolling caseload per program requirements.
• Assist with resume preparation, interviewing skills, and workplace etiquette.
• Provide on-site coaching during work experiences and follow-up to ensure retention.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

CaseWorthy

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Career Coach (EmployAbility)

Department: Workforce Development (WFD)

Reports To: Program Manager (EmployAbility and CareerAbilities)

Mission Support:

Goodwill Houston (GWH) is transforming lives by connecting people to opportunities that advance the future of work. Through education, training, and employment, we create pathways to success for individuals facing employment barriers. We empower people, strengthen families, and impact communities by addressing both immediate and future workforce needs. With the generous support of our donors and retail customers, we are changing lives through the power of work.

Position Summary:

Assists participants with diagnosed disabilities enrolled in Vocational Services, Texas Workforce Commission Rehabilitative Services, and GWH’s vocational and work skills programs. The Career Coach supports career planning and decision‑making, including career counseling, assessment, on‑the‑job training enrollment, job search assistance, and retention services. Provides job coaching in the vocational/skills training program and during employment, where allowed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for assuring that WFD is in compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Provide intensive, comprehensive employment case management and career planning services to participants enrolled in GWH programs and Career Connections.
• Maintain a rolling caseload per program requirements.
• Review assessments of participants' employment and training needs, individualized employment plans, etc., to guide job training plans and potential co‑enrollment into other GWH programs.
• Monitor and evaluate participant progress through an individualized employment plan, provide guidance and coaching to help resolve issues, and remain motivated to obtain/maintain credentials and employment.
• Provide on‑site coaching and oversight during the work experience activities at designated locations.
• Maintain relationships with partnering agencies and make appropriate referrals to those agencies that will assist participants with supportive services, which are designed to help mitigate barriers and enhance employability.
• Work with Career Connection associates to prepare job seekers for employment, including resume preparation, interviewing skills, and workplace etiquette.
• Conduct employment readiness workshops and provide one‑on‑one job coaching.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date data entry for billing purposes.
• Ensure that participants understand and conform to program policies and expectations.
• Provide job development assistance by working with Career Connection associates and matching participants to appropriate jobs.
• Place participants in industry‑related employment, providing ongoing follow‑ups for retention records.
• Support participants with maintaining employment, including providing resources for job sustainability.
• Maintain real‑time data entry, electronic and hard copy confidential files, and input necessary information into CaseWorthy (data management system), including progress reports, case notes, and completion and retention documentation.
• Travel to multiple locations as needed.
• Perform other duties as directed by management to support evolving organizational needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and present a friendly, cooperative attitude.
• Ability to multitask, make quick decisions, adapt to change, and collaborate effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Adheres to all GWH Policies & Procedures, Loss Prevention & Safety Regulations, and GWH Guiding Principles.
• Must be punctual, maintain a professional appearance, and perform expected duties.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must perform all duties according to GWH safety procedures, maintain good housekeeping standards, and ensure all walkways are clear and free of clutter.
• Adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of workforce development, career services, and/or human services experience.
• Excellent computer skills (proficiency in Microsoft Office).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understand strategic planning, budgets, marketing, and research.
• Ability to communicate and interact well with a variety of personality types.
• Ability to analyze opportunities and problems, identify and evaluate alternatives, and develop effective approaches to address any issues.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate the achievement of goals, objectives, and work plans.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for current or future employment. GWH does not offer visa sponsorship for employment purposes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

• Meet or exceed all portfolio programs' outputs, outcomes, and goals for the (calendar/fiscal) year.
• Placement rate of 65% or higher for those who complete training.
• Ensure data utilization and accuracy of 90% or higher by conducting regular audits of Caseworthy reporting.
• Ensure all data reports, funding applications, and administrative documents are reviewed prior to submission for the Director’s approval.
• Execute WFD projects as assigned.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and reach.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs.
• Able to spend most working hours at a computer.