Career Navigator

SERCO OF TEXAS - HEART OF TEXAS; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

SERCO OF TEXAS - HEART OF TEXAS in Waco is seeking a dedicated Career Navigator to guide workforce program customers towards achieving self-sufficiency. This role involves conducting intake and providing comprehensive case management services to empower a diverse clientele.

The ideal candidate will hold an Associate Degree, have experience aiding the unemployed, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. The position entails maintaining participant records and assisting in resolving program-related issues.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Associate Degree with coursework in Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
• Two (2) years of related experience performing intake and certification work.
• Experience working with economically disadvantaged populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and case management activities.
• Assist job seekers in developing employment goals.
• Maintain detailed participant records.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Associate Degree in Psychology or Sociology

Two years related experience

Tools

TWIST system of record

Job description

Summary

Career Navigator guides workforce program customers toward achieving self‑sufficiency swiftly and effectively. Engaging with participants, this Navigator conducts intake and case management activities, offering invaluable support services. With efficiency and effectiveness as key drivers, the Career Navigator is committed to performing the essential duties of the role, including delivering comprehensive case management services to a diverse clientele. The goal is to empower customers by removing employment barriers and facilitating their journey toward meaningful employment. Success in this role hinges on the ability to competently perform each outlined duty to satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Adheres to the mission of SERCO.
• Interviews participants or their authorized representatives to gather information to assess and record information regarding training needs, education, experience, skills, interest and other relevant factors to fully explore clients’ career development opportunities and to provide information regarding programs.
• Responsible for the intake process of center customers to determine eligibility for services.
• Coordinate and provide direct case management services, including assisting the job seeker to develop long‑ and short‑term employment goals.
• Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, and applicants’ legal rights.
• Conduct in‑depth interviewing, testing, and skills assessment of eligible participants for entry into career center activities.
• Create an Individual Employment Plan (IEP); and coordinate support and related services with other providers; track the job seeker’s progress toward goals and modify the IEP as necessary.
• Interview participants at specified intervals to certify their eligibility for continuing benefits.
• Complete applicant documents and forms accurately and expeditiously.
• Provide career guidance to assist job seekers in making and carrying out career decisions for success in the labor market; identify suitability for and/or barriers to employment/training.
• Maintain a caseload and provide a broad range of case management services including maintaining proper documentation, monitoring eligibility, customer activity tracking and reporting, conciliation and sanctions (if applicable) conducting staffing as needed with co‑case managers as appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a strategy for each participant to assist in establishing self‑sufficient goals and develop a plan to coordinate available resources including referral to other agencies and businesses to attain desired goals.
• Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
• Follow standard procedures to administer and evaluate interest, aptitude, and achievement tests and work samples. Provide assessment results to assist participants, etc., in setting appropriate goals and identifying appropriate education and training options.
• Assist in developing materials and conduct workshops, job clubs and other customer group meetings, for all programs.
• Assist customers to access basic self‑help services through effective use of the resource center.
• Assist in resolving problems that may impede participation and/or performance in selected programs; provide follow‑up activities according to program guidelines.
• Keep abreast of revisions and changes impacting the eligibility of applicants, and reporting requirements.
• Refer applicants who are ineligible or have other training interests to other agencies, training centers or community organizations, as appropriate.
• Oversee job seeker’s program participation, providing career counseling, job coaching and career mentoring that ensures sustained employment.
• Maintain detailed participant records in compliance with agency’s policies and procedures and prepare required reports.
• May conduct home visits to participants’ place of residence as necessary.
• Document all participant contacts and activities in TWIST system of record to include case notes and post‑placement follow‑up contacts (daily).
• Track target goals to include enrollments, trainings, and entered employment, and provide weekly progress reports.
• Compile and distribute accurate intake and assessment reports.
• Perform other work‑related duties as needed and/or as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Preferred: Associate Degree with coursework in Psychology, Sociology, or related field; or
• Two (2) years of related experience performing intake and certification work, or a combination of experience and education.
• Or has been employed with SERCO in a temporary or a Sub‑E position for at least 6 months.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of programs administered by TWC, TANF, WIOA, etc.
• Ability to properly interview and screen clients for services.
• Experience providing excellent service to job seekers and employers.
• Experience working with unemployed, underemployed, displaced workers, noncustodial parents, ex‑offenders, veterans, individuals with barriers or other economically disadvantaged populations.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and document all aspects of services provided.
• Ability to read and interpret eligibility requirements.
• Ability to properly administer and score assessment instruments.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to accurately calculate income levels.
• Ability to analyze participants’ documents to determine eligibility.
• Skills in establishing rapport with participants.
• Knowledge of assessment tools used in workforce center applications.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics to include addition and subtraction.
• Knowledge of and ability to use personal computer.
• Highly preferred: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Excellent communication skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must treat customers with dignity and respect.
• Must be able to travel within state.
• Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and provide automobile liability insurance as required by the State of Texas.
• Must have access to reliable transportation in order to make required home visits and travel within service area.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing duties of the job, employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit for long periods of time. Employee must be able to drive for extended periods of time. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, must be able to set up display area.
2. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Fast paced, demanding physically and mentally, will be in constant communications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer.