Career Planner

Workforce Connections, Inc.; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Workforce Connections, Inc. seeks a Career Planner to assess eligibility and provide dedicated case management, tailoring services to each participant's needs.

You will guide participants through personalized employability plans, offering job search support, resume help, interview prep, and life skills development in collaboration with community resources. The role emphasizes independent work within a team, adherence to program guidelines, and ongoing advocacy for participants’ rights and

Qualifications

• Education: bachelor's ideal; associate with 2-3 years of related experience considered.
• Experience: working with disadvantaged populations, eligibility, and case management valued.
• Communication: excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution.
• Financial literacy: explain budgeting and financial concepts clearly.
• Work style: able to work independently while being a strong team player.
• Technical skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and reporting systems as required.

Responsibilities

• Process referrals, assess eligibility, and enroll participants efficiently.
• Conduct in-depth assessments to tailor each employability plan and monitor progress.
• Provide case management services: resume writing, interview prep, life skills development.
• Connect participants with community resources to address needs and well-being.
• Advocate for participants and ensure understanding of rights and program guidelines.
• Maintain meticulous case files and accurate documentation of services.

Skills

Experience with disadvantaged Pop.

Communication skills

Financial literacy

Independence

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Associate degree with 2-3 years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Reporting systems

Job description

Career Planners are the guiding force for job seekers in our employment programs. Career Planners assess eligibility, then become a dedicated case manager, providing support and services tailored to each participant's needs. Working closely with program guidelines, Career Planners equip individuals with the skills and resources to land a job that puts them on the pathway to self-sufficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is ideal, but we'll also consider an associate degree with 2-3 years of related experience.
• Experience: Working with disadvantaged populations, including determining eligibility and providing case management is valued
• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Financial Literacy: Ability to explain budgeting, financial concepts, and procedures in an understandable way.
• Work Style: Work independently while also being a strong team player.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and other computer reporting systems as required by funders.

I. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

A. Helping People Find Success

• Intake and Eligibility: Process program referrals, assess eligibility, and enroll participants efficiently.
• Personalized Support: Conduct in-depth assessments to understand each participant's skills, experience, and goals. Based on these assessments, Career Planners collaborate with them to create a customized employability plan, monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed.
• Essential Skills Development: Provide comprehensive case management services, including job search assistance, resume writing, interview prep, life skills development (e.g., money management), and more.
• Community Connections: Connect participants with relevant community resources to address various needs and support their overall well-being.
• Advocacy and Compliance: Advocate for participants, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities under program guidelines. Stay up-to-date on relevant laws and regulations.

B. Guiding Progress and Building Connections

The Career Planner role goes beyond initial program enrollment to ongoing support by:

• Holistic Needs Assessment: Evaluating participant needs beyond just employment and referring them to appropriate community resources for life skills development, money management, interpersonal safety, and more.
• Progress Tracking and Adjustment: Monitoring participant progress towards their employability plan goals. Identify areas needing improvement and collaboratively adjust plans as necessary.
• Collaboration for Success: Working with community partners, job developers, and others to secure unsubsidized, subsidized, or community service job placements that align with participants' needs and program objectives.
• Performance Excellence: Striving to meet or exceed all program performance expectations.
• Meticulous Recordkeeping: Maintaining comprehensive case files with accurate documentation and verification of services provided.

C. Commitment to Teamwork and Excellence

As a valued member of the Workforce Connections team, you will be expected to:

• Uphold Our Standards: Adhere to all established WCI policies and performance procedures.
• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with colleagues, fostering a professional and supportive team environment.
• Embrace New Challenges: Be open to taking on additional responsibilities that contribute to the team's success.

Physical/Sensory/Cognitive Requirements

The majority of the work time will be spent in an office setting and in the community in a variety of settings assisting in achieving the goals and objectives of Workforce Connections, Inc. Mobility within the rural and urban community is required on a daily basis. Must be able to drive and have access to a reliable vehicle. Will be required to sit at a desk or in meetings for an extended period of time. Ability to present information and respond to questions from staff, board members, and the general public when speaking on the phone or in face-to-face interactions.

Uses hearing and vision with the ability to collaborate and orchestrate in a variety of environments. Regular use of fine motor skills for writing or typing. Lifting of objects up to 30 pounds may be required. Bending and walking required regularly.

Environmental Conditions

Majority of work is performed in an office setting, community, and varied conditions. Outdoor travel required.