Career Navigator - Grand Rapids

West Michigan Works!; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Area Community Services Employment & Training Council (ACSET) in Grand Rapids is seeking a Career Navigator to greet participants at Michigan Works! service centers and guide them through career exploration and job search strategies.

You will offer information on available resources and tailor assistance to individual needs. The role requires coaching on state-of-the-art job search techniques, helping with resumes, and navigating PMTC and related programs.

Qualifications

• Customer service skills are required.
• Typing, word processing and internet skills are essential.
• Analytical skills to identify problems and propose solutions.
• Strong communication as well as written and oral skills are needed.
• Teamwork and organizational abilities contribute to a quality work environment.
• Good planning, time management and adaptability to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Orient participants to the Michigan Works! system and available programs.
• Introduce PMTC features to job seekers and help create their profiles.
• Assist participants in entering data and attaching resumes to PMTC profiles.
• Help job seekers locate opportunities on PMTC and other sites.
• Verify UI registration on PMTC and submit timely confirmations.
• Assist in creating resumes using appropriate formats and tools.
• Familiarize participants with the Federal Bonding Program and bonding steps.
• Explain UI student waiver processes and determine eligibility.
• Support career exploration and job search planning activities.
• Perform data entry and reconcile results with reports.

Skills

Customer service

Typing

Word processing

Internet research

Public speaking

Planning & time management

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Communication

Confidentiality

Job description

Area Community Services Employment & Training Council (ACSET)

CAREER NAVIGATOR

Grand Rapids

This full-time (40 hours per week) position is in compensation Pay Range A that pays from $35,085 to $49,107 annually, plus fringe benefits, including healthcare benefits, retirement plans with employer match, financial wellness program, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, and accrued time off. Starting wage is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

ACSET OVERVIEW: ACSET is the administrative and fiscal agent for the Michigan Works! Agency of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. West Michigan Works! mission is to lead workforce development strategy and resource alignment in West Michigan by understanding the talent needs of employers and employment needs of job seekers and connecting them to solutions.

JOB SUMMARY

The Career Navigator greets and provides assistance to participants entering a Michigan Works! service center by assisting them in their career exploration and job search efforts. The navigator provides information on available resources and helps determine the type and level of assistance needed by the participant. This position provides instruction and coaching on state-of-the-art job search strategies and techniques. Responsibilities are carried out according to established procedures with latitude for initiative and independent judgement.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Orient participants to the Michigan Works! System, the programs, services and opportunities available while familiarizing the participant with the facility itself.
• Introduce participants to the Pure Michigan Talent Connect (PMTC) website including the job seeker, the employer, and career explorer features of the site.
• Assist participant in entering their data on PMTC to form their Profile Record. Also assist the participant to attach their resume to the Profile Record.
• Assist job seekers in their efforts to locate suitable job opportunities on PMTC and other internet sites.
• Verify Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimant’s registration on PMTC, provide the necessary proof of registration, and submit the required electronic message in a timely manner.
• Assist job seekers in developing suitable resumes using appropriate formats and software tools.
• Familiarize appropriate job seeker participants with the Federal Bonding Program and assist them in completing the process to obtain a bond.
• Familiarize participants with the Unemployment Insurance (UI) student waiver process, review the training program information provided, and complete the pertinent forms determining if a waiver is to be granted.
• Assist participants with career exploration and job search planning activities.
• Perform data entry and reconcile results utilizing appropriate reports and database systems.
• Refer participants to appropriate Michigan Works! programs, services and activities including workshops, job fairs, and training.
• Assist in developing displays and exhibits highlighting career and employment opportunities.
• Participate in recruitment and outreach activities representing Michigan Works! at career fairs, job fairs, roundtables and other community events.
• Provide labor market information regarding staffing patterns, career ladders, hiring patterns, working conditions, rates of pay for the West Michigan civilian labor force.
• Refer customers to community resources offering services key to essential life needs.
• Actively participate in continuous quality improvement processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• This job requires demonstrated Customer Service skills.
• Proficient in typing, word processing and use of the internet is essential.
• Ability to apply analytical skills in identifying operational problems and potential solutions.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate in both oral and written form with prior experience in public speaking.
• Communication and organizational skills that contribute to a quality work environment and the ability to work as a team.
• Planning and time management skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, state and local agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain confidentiality while providing patient, friendly participant-centered services.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment with little discomfort due to noise, dirt, dust and the like.
• Local or statewide travel required.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified.