Career Coach - YOU

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston seeks a Career Coach to deliver individualized coaching and academic support to youth in the Discover YOU program. You will set goals, build action plans, and connect participants with opportunities to advance their education and careers.

Youth coaching, family engagement, and collaboration with schools and partners are essential. The role requires strong communication, data tracking, and flexibility to meet program needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and two years of experience in youth development, education, workforce development, career services, mentoring, or related field.
• An associate degree may substitute for one year of experience; a bachelor's may substitute for up to two years.
• Experience providing individualized coaching, guidance, mentoring, or direct program services to youth is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and occasional weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized coaching and program support, including goal setting, action plans, monitoring progress, and referrals to resources.
• Help youth establish goals, develop and track Action Plans, and monitor progress.
• Assist youth in developing professional portfolios (resumes, cover letters, essays, application materials).
• Offer ongoing guidance and problem-solving to keep youth engaged in activities.
• Coordinate and participate in career fairs, workshops, site visits, and other career exploration events.
• Maintain regular communication with families and partners to support participant progress.
• Monitor and document engagement, progress, and outcomes; maintain confidential records.

Skills

Youth development experience

Coaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Organizational skills

MS Office / Google Workspace

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Associate degree substitution (1 year)

Bachelor's degree substitution (up to 2 years)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Director or their designee, the Career Coach provides individualized coaching, mentoring, and career and academic support to youth participating in the Discover YOU program. The Career Coach works directly with participants to establish goals, develop action plans, build career and educational readiness, and connect youth to opportunities that support their academic and professional development.

The Career Coach serves as a consistent point of support for participants and works collaboratively with families, schools, program staff, and community partners to promote participant engagement and progress.

Youth Coaching & Mentorship:

• Provide individualized coaching and program support to participants, including assessing educational and career development needs, establishing goals, developing individualized action plans, monitoring progress, and coordinating referrals to appropriate resources and services.
• Work with youth to establish goals, develop and track individualized Action Plans, and monitor progress.
• Support participants in developing professional portfolios, including resumes, cover letters, college essays, and application materials.
• Provide ongoing guidance, encouragement, and problem-solving support to help youth remain engaged in program and academic activities.

Academic & Career Development:

• Support youth with academic planning, high school selection, college applications, career exploration, and employment preparation.
• Identify participant needs and barriers to educational or employment success and coordinate appropriate referrals to workforce development programs, educational institutions, social services, and community-based resources.
• Coordinate and participate in career fairs, workshops, site visits, and other career exploration activities.
• Accompany youth to relevant events and provide follow-up support as appropriate.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Conduct goal-setting and progress meetings with youth and families.
• Maintain regular communication with families and program partners regarding participant engagement and support needs.
• Collaborate with school-based staff, social workers, and community partners to address barriers and connect youth to appropriate resources.
• Work closely with the YOU Career Specialist and Youth Program Coordinator to support internships, employment opportunities, career events, and other program initiatives.

Participant Tracking & Administration:

• Monitor and document participant engagement, goals, progress, and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records, including individualized action plans, service referrals, engagement activities, progress updates, and program outcomes, using established data management systems and reporting procedures.
• Assist youth with completing onboarding, enrollment, and other required program paperwork.
• Use participant information to identify areas requiring additional support and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in youth development, education, workforce development, career services, mentoring, case management, program coordination, human services, or a related field are required.
• An associate degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, Education, Public Administration, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. A bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.
• Experience providing individualized coaching, guidance, mentoring, or direct program services to youth, young adults, or other populations is preferred.
• Ability to identify participant needs, develop and monitor individualized goals and action plans, and coordinate referrals to appropriate programs, services, and community resources.
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to engage individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with program participants, families, educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications, with the ability to maintain electronic records, track participant progress, and prepare program documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate and confidential records, meet established deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, and handle sensitive participant information with discretion.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and occasional weekends, as required by program activities.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED
Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-5

Hours per week: 35