Career Navigator (Career Pathways)

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE GULF COAST INC; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE GULF COAST INC is seeking a Career Navigator to provide employment preparation services, develop individualized career plans, and market programs within the Gulf Coast area. You will handle intake, data entry, and collaboration with partners to expand opportunities for participants facing barriers to employment.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, proficiency in MS Office, and the ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or 5 years of closely related experience in lieu of degree.
• Two years of closely related experience preferred; substituting five years for education.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with serving people with barriers to employment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct participant intake and refer to agency services or other providers.
• Develop and update Individual Career Plans (ICP) for each participant.
• Market services in the community to recruit participants and inform the public about Goodwill.
• Enter demographic and service data into reporting systems monthly.
• Produce required statistical and programmatic reports on schedule.
• Maintain confidential participant records per policy and CARF regulations.
• Coordinate with supervisor, funders, and community partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Critical thinking

Confidentiality

Initiative

Team collaboration

Customer service

Flexible schedule

Education

Bachelor's degree

Two years related experience preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

TITLE: Career Navigator DATE WRITTEN: 01/2026DEPARTMENT: Workforce Development Services SUPERVISED BY: Career Pathways CoordinatorSUPERVISES: N/A STATUS: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-ExemptMission Contribution: To meet the mission of the agency by providing soft skills, foundational, and occupational skills training assistance for people seeking assistance including veterans, people with disabilities, walk-ins and others with barriers to employment or needing assistance to be successful.Function:To prepare people for employment and to develop job opportunities.Essential Functions:Provides employment preparation services to internal and external customers as needed.Conducts participant Intake and makes participants aware of all services provided by the agency and assists participants in accessing these services or makes referrals to other agencies as needed.Develops and implements an Individual Career Plan (ICP) for each participant based upon needs, interests and barriers identified in the Needs Assessment and updates regularly.Meets or exceeds individual and program goals and performance measures as established by the funding source, grant and/or supervisor.Conducts Job Readiness, Life Skills, or Basic Skills instruction either individually or in a group classroom setting.Cross trains, collaborates and provides back-up support to Career Specialists.Maintains consumer files accurately, updating and reviewing open files a minimum of monthly.Provide world-class customer service including effective communication with internal and external customers.Markets the organization and program services in the community, to find employment and training opportunities, to recruit participants, and to inform the public about Goodwill services.Accurately completes data entry for capturing demographic and service information into the Goodwill and funding agency partner reporting systems during the month of service.Provides other statistical and programmatic reports as scheduled and required according to agency guidelines in a timely and efficient manner.Communicates regularly with supervisor, funding agency partners, Goodwill mission services staff and community partners ensuring that all program activities and guidelines are implemented according to Goodwill expectations and consistent with contract requirements.Maintains effective communications with participants, other Goodwill staff, and community partners with timely follow up to emails and phone calls and through use of meetings, conferences, newsletters, memos, etc.Assists visitors to the Community Center with needs such as Medical equipment loans, resource and referral information and job search activities.Ensures confidentiality of participant records and private information, keeping in compliance with organization’s guidelines, policies and CARF regulations.Assists in linking participants to community resources and services provided by Goodwill and other community partners to address issues related to education, financial wellness, healthcare, housing and other basic needs.Identifies opportunities for expansion of services through grant opportunities and/or collaboration with other agencies or businesses.Participates in a variety of community awareness and fundraising activities, which promote the program, agency and/or the funding source under the direction of supervisor.Maintains accountability of inventory of supplies, materials and equipment essential to the operation of the program and follows proper procedures for new acquisitions and purchases.Stays current on employment and special population issues and best practices by participating in on-going training and professional development opportunities including seminars, conferences, in-house training and through personal research.Collaborates with other local service providers and professionals to build strong partnerships and networks within the community.Acts as a positive role model for employees and others in all aspects of professional performance.Observes all safety procedures and personnel policies.Regular attendance is required as outlined in Goodwill’s attendance policy.Other duties as assigned.Skills, knowledge, and abilities: (these are required to enable job holder to perform the essential functions of the job).Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people.Must be able to market Goodwill and explain the mission to the general public.Must possess excellent organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills.Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.Must be able to keep information confidential.Must be able to take initiative, make decisions and work well with little supervision.Must be able to maintain effective communication with supervisor, funders, and others.Must be able to function in a hectic work environment with occasional periods of high stress.Must have reliable means of transportation and maintain insurable driving record.Must obtain and retain First Aid/CPR/AED certification and respond to and manage a first aid, choking, or sudden cardiac arrest emergency at the worksite according to Goodwill Safety Policies & Procedures.Must have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years, liability automobile insurance, and be insurable through the agency’s insurance carrier.Must be at least 21 year of age.Experience, Education, and Certification Requirements:Bachelor Degree plus two years of closely related experience preferred.Five years of closely related experience may be substituted for a degree.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.Supervisory, teaching and training experience preferredExperience working with people with barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment preferred.Physical Requirements:Must be able to use hands, fingers and wrists, repetitively while using computer keyboard.Working conditions / Hazards:Some of this work will be performed in a professional office setting and are generally sedentary, requiring walking, standing, bending and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs. At times while performing the duties of the job, the employee will be required to sit on the floor, stand, stoop, bend, walk, talk, hear, use hands to grip, type, and reach with arms. Frequent travel throughout the Gulf Coast area.Critical Performance Factors:Accuracy and completeness of required program documentation.Accuracy and timeliness of reporting.Increased client participation in Goodwill programs.Positive relationship with community partners, referral sources and/or funders.Customer Service and Image