Career Readiness Navigator

Goodwill Gulf Coast; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Gulf Coast is seeking a Career Readiness Navigator to deliver job readiness, life skills, and basic skills instruction to youth and adults, including those with barriers to employment. You will assess needs, develop Individual Career Plans, and coordinate job exploration activities.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and ability to collaborate with partners. This is a full-time, non-exempt position based in Mobile, Alabama, with occasional after-hours work

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in education or human services field; two years related experience preferred.
• Five years related experience may substitute for the degree.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities or barriers to employment preferred.
• Supervisory, teaching, and training experience required.
• Must pass Level 2 background screening.
• Must have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years and be insurable.

Responsibilities

• Conducts job readiness and life skills instruction individually or in group settings.
• Develops ISS/ICP or ICP for participants based on needs and updates regularly.
• Plans vocational activities: job shadowing, exploration, service-learning as appropriate.
• Provides job search and employment preparation services to clients.
• Submits billing for contract services with supporting documentation to funders.
• Maintains consumer files and ensures confidentiality.
• Communicates with supervisor, funders, and partners; maintains timely follow-ups.
• Assists visitors at the Opportunity Center with needs and referrals.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Driving

First Aid/CPR

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or human services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

TITLE: Career Readiness Navigator DATE WRITTEN: 01/2026DEPARTMENT: Workforce Development Services SUPERVISED BY: Director-Career ReadinessSUPERVISES: N/A STATUS: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-ExemptMission Contribution:To prepare participants for employment and/or self-sufficiency by providing career readiness, life skills or basic skills instruction people seeking assistance including those with disabilities, justice involved youth, at-risk youth, and others with barriers to employment or needing assistance to be successful.Function:To prepare participants for employment and/or self-sufficiency by providing job readiness, life skills or basic skills instruction and by developing job opportunities for those referred by the Escambia County School District, The Able Trust, ADRS, FL Voc Rehab, other grant sources and self-referrals.Some positions are made possible in part by a grants from Florida Dept. of Education, The Able Trust or other funders. The position’s establishment and continuance will be dependent upon on-going grant funding.Essential Functions:Conducts job readiness, life skills, or basic skills instruction either individually or in a group classroom setting.Conduct a vocational assessment to identify work-related strengths and factors that may interfere with efficient work performance.Communicate effectively with staff of the youth facility, parents/families and youth (both written and oral) and engage them in activities related to the program.Provide vocational counseling to assist the participant in developing appropriate occupational choices.Develops and implements an individual service strategy (ISS or IEP) or an Individual Career Plan (ICP) for each participant based upon participant needs, interests and barriers identified in the Needs Assessment and updates regularly.Plan, coordinate and provide vocational activities including service-learning, job shadowing, career exploration, etc. as appropriate for enrolled youth.General:Submits billing for contractor services along with supporting documentation to funders and supervisor.Provides job search and employment preparation services to internal and external customers as needed.Provides job retention services including job coaching for those needing extra support to learn new job duties or to complete employment paperwork.Conducts participant Orientation 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.Maintains consumer files accurately, updating and reviewing open files a minimum of monthly.Conducts and documents follow-up activities with participants and employers and intervenes when necessary.Provide world class customer service including effective communication with internal and external customers.Meet or exceed individual and program goals and performance measures as established by the funding source, grant and/or supervisor.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 Opportunity 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.Identifies opportunities for expansion of services through grant opportunities and/or collaboration with other agencies or businesses.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 be able to effectively use Microsoft office applications and internet research.Must possess excellent organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills. Must demonstrate appropriate problem-solving and sound decision making to develop, implement and evaluate plans.Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be able to maintain effective communication with supervisor, funders, and others.Must be able to keep information confidential.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.Must pass a Level 2 background screening.Experience, Education, and Certification Requirements:Bachelor Degree in education or human service related field of study plus two years of closely related experience preferred.Five years of closely related experience may be substituted for a degree.Experience working with persons with disabilities and/or their families and people with barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment preferred.Supervisory, teaching and training experience required.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 reportingIncreased client participation in Goodwill programsPositive relationship with referral sources and/or fundersKnowledge of disabilities and/or special population attributes