Career Readiness Coach

Hopeworks; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopeworks is seeking a Career Readiness Coach to guide young professionals through a structured program focused on securing permanent, living-wage employment. You will blend weekly 1:1 coaching, goal setting, and strategic job search support with a strong emphasis on measurable results and data use.

Responsibilities include mock interviews, resume and portfolio coaching, and active sourcing of job leads while collaborating with staff to address barriers to success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in career coaching, workforce development, recruiting, HR, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide weekly 1:1 coaching and goal setting.
• Support participants with strategic job search and DREAMS planning.
• Help with resumes, portfolios, and professional profiles.
• Source living-wage job leads and assist with applications and interviews.
• Track placements and outcomes in Salesforce to drive program improvements.

Skills

Career coaching

Workforce development

HR basics

Education

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Hopeworks is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of young adults ages 17–26. Using a trauma-informed approach, we provide cutting-edge training in web development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and data visualization, alongside individualized coaching, academic support, and direct work experience.

Our model combines real-world business experience with personal development and technical training, ensuring young professionals are fully prepared to secure and thrive in living-wage careers. Hopeworks operates its own client-serving businesses in web development, GIS, and data services—allowing participants to work on real projects for clients while building professional skills, confidence, and networks. This integrated approach consistently produces exceptional outcomes in education re-engagement, job placement, and long-term career growth.

Position & Responsibilities

The Career Readiness Coach prepares, supports, and holds young professionals accountable to securing and maintaining permanent, living-wage employment. This role blends weekly 1:1 coaching, goal-setting, and strategic job search support with a strong emphasis on measurable results, data use, and long-term career retention.

Specific tasks:

• Participant Engagement & Accountability – Ensure assigned young professionals fully participate in all aspects of the Hopeworks training and employment program to secure and retain living-wage jobs.
• Individual Career Planning – Meet weekly to set, review, and advance progress on each participant’s DREAMS Plan (training, education, employment, and financial goals).
• Job Readiness Preparation – Conduct mock interviews, coach on professional presentation, and guide the creation of resumes, portfolios, and professional profiles.
• Employment Connection – Actively source living-wage job leads, support applications, interview prep, and collaborate with staff to address barriers to success.
• Data Tracking & Reporting – Maintain accurate records in Salesforce CRM, tracking placements, retention, wages, and engagement to drive continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Job Placement Rate: ≥ 90% (# of job placements / # of internships completed).
• Average Starting Wage: ≥ $42,000 (average starting wage of permanent placements).
• Average Meeting Rate: ≥ 85% (# of meetings held / total caseload).

Requirements:

• 3+ years in career coaching, workforce development, recruiting, HR, or related fields (experience in high-demand industries a plus).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills; ability to motivate while holding others accountable.
• Strong organization and time management; comfortable managing multiple participants and priorities at once.
• Problem-solving mindset; adaptable to changing needs and participant circumstances.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices (training provided as needed).
• Experience working with diverse populations; prior work with young adults and/or individuals facing barriers to employment preferred.

In essence, the perfect candidate:

• Is action-oriented, and not satisfied until they have exceeded the goal.
• Loves interacting with young people, both to celebrate their successes and to challenge them to improve.
• Is goal-oriented and tracks and measures progress through measurable outcomes.
• Is a true cheerleader and coach, able to manage both individual relationships and groups.