Career Coach - WIOA

JVS SoCal; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 37,195; Full time

Job summary

JVS SoCal is seeking a Career Coach to empower participants with tailored support, assessments, and individualized employment plans. You will coordinate services, guide eligibility, and connect clients with training, counseling, and job opportunities.

Ideal candidates have strong communication, organization, and data-entry skills plus CWDP readiness. Travel to multiple sites and flexible hours are required as part of providing ongoing case management and outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Workforce Development, or related field (preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in case management, workforce development, social services, or related area (preferred).
• Knowledge of WIOA guidelines, workforce programs, and barriers diverse populations face.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a supportive approach.
• Proficiency in case management software and data entry.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Create and manage individualized service plans.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and supportive services.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Complete CWDP course and exam within 3 months and CWDP certification within 12 months.
• Work flexible hours including early morning, evenings, and weekends.
• Travel to various locations such as businesses, worksites, and events.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate participants’ skills, barriers, and career interests.
• Guide participants through enrollment, eligibility, and explain available WIOA services.
• Explain benefits and set clear expectations and goals.
• Develop personalized employment plans and identify training programs and pathways.
• Regularly review and update plans reflecting progress and changing needs.
• Provide ongoing support and coaching to address challenges and stay on track.
• Facilitate referrals to transportation, childcare, housing, and mental health resources.
• Monitor progress in training and employment; adjust as needed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers and community organizations.
• Track outcomes, prepare reports, and ensure program compliance.
• Advocate for participants and provide resume help, interview prep, and coaching.
• Engage with the community to promote program awareness and services.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Conflict-resolution

Ability to create service plans

Travel flexibility

CWDP coursework readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

CWDP coursework and exam (within 3 months)

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Description

The Career Coach is an essential support system for participants, empowering them to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future through employment and career advancement. The Career Coach provides job seekers with tailored support and case management services, helping them access training, career counseling, and job placement opportunities. This role involves conducting assessments, creating individualized employment plans, and coordinating supportive services that align with each participant’s unique needs. The Career Coach plays a critical role in promoting sustainable employment and career growth by offering ongoing guidance and connecting participants with necessary resources. This role is ideal for a compassionate, detail-oriented individual dedicated to helping others achieve career stability and independence. Targeted populations include Adult Workers, Dislocated Worker, and Youth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Workforce Development, or a related field (preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in case management, workforce development, social services, or a related area (preferred).
• Knowledge of WIOA guidelines, workforce programs, and employment barriers diverse populations face.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a supportive and empathetic approach to client service.
• Proficiency in case management software and data entry.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to create and manage individualized service plans.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and supportive services.
• The ability to work effectively with diverse populations and handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Complete CWDP course and exam within 3 months of employment and secure CWDP certification within 12 months of employment.
• Work flexible hours, including early morning, evenings, and weekends is required.
• Travel to various locations, such as businesses, worksites, off‑site meetings, and other related events.

Key Responsibilities

• Participant Assessment and Intake:
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate participants’ skills, career interests, and employment barriers.
  • Guide participants through program enrollment, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements and understand available WIOA services.
  • Explain program benefits and resources to participants, setting clear expectations and goals.
• Individualized Employment Planning:
  • Develop personalized employment plans that outline participants’ career objectives, skill development needs, and steps for achieving sustainable employment.
  • Identify appropriate training programs, job placement services, and career pathways aligned with participant goal through occupational training, employer-based training, supportive services, and other basic and individualized career services.
  • Regularly review and update employment plans to reflect participants’ progress and changing needs.
• Ongoing Case Management and Support:
  • Provide continuous support to participants, helping them address challenges and stay on track with their employment goals.
  • Facilitate referrals to supportive services such as transportation, childcare, housing assistance, and mental health resources.
  • Monitor participant progress in training and employment, providing additional coaching or support as necessary.
• Employer and Community Engagement:
  • Work with job developers and employers to identify job openings and create participant placement opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and service providers to expand resources available to participants.
  • Stay informed of local labor market trends and employers’ needs to guide participants effectively.
• Data Collection, Reporting, and Compliance:
  • Maintain detailed, accurate case notes and documentation per WIOA guidelines.
  • Track participant outcomes, including job placements, retention rates, and training completions.
  • Prepare and submit reports demonstrating program effectiveness, compliance, and participant progress.
• Participant Advocacy and Career Counseling:
  • Advocate for participants by ensuring they receive fair treatment and equal access to program resources and opportunities.
  • Provide resume building, interview preparation, and career coaching tailored to each participant’s career field.
  • Empower participants to navigate the job market, building skills and confidence needed for long-term career success.
• Outreaching:
  • Engage and connect with community members, organizations, and partners to promote program awareness and services.
  • Conduct outreach activities (in-person, phone, social media, community events) to recruit and inform potential participants.
  • Provide information, resources, and referrals to individuals based on their needs and program eligibility.
  • Build and maintain relationships with schools, agencies, employers, and community groups.
  • Track outreach efforts, document participant interactions, and maintain accurate records.
  • Support program events, orientations, and workshops to increase community participation.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to inspect work visually. Manual dexterity is required to operate computers and other office equipment. The physical demands described above represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

Salary

$26.75 - $27.00 per hour + benefits

JVS SoCal will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if JVS SoCal is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating or rehabilitative evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background check report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act