FastForward/G3 Career Coach (Restricted)

Tacoma News, Inc.; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Tacoma News, Inc. is seeking a dedicated FastForward/G3 Career Coach to guide students in FastForward and G3‑funded programs toward successful employment outcomes.

The role involves case management, coordinating with advising and student services, and connecting learners to financial aid and credential opportunities—including evening sessions and ongoing follow‑up in multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of barriers to educational success and evidence‑based solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage, support, and motivate students.
• Excellent customer‑service skills with effective follow‑up.
• Ability to communicate with diverse backgrounds and age groups.
• Experience providing personalized career advice and exploring options.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment with deadlines.
• Proficiency with technology, including Office 365, SIS, and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with willingness to grow.

Responsibilities

• Assist FastForward and G3 students in preparing for employment transitions.
• Serve as liaison between Workforce Development and Student Services.
• Discuss goals and pathways, including credential opportunities and degrees.
• Use a case‑management approach and document interactions.
• Conduct individual and group career‑planning sessions, including evenings.
• Connect students to tutoring, financial aid, and scholarship resources.
• Follow up on student experiences after entering the workplace.
• Utilize technology to connect with students and support teams.
• Support Workforce Development and Student Services across locations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Written communication

Time management

Confidentiality

Tools

Office 365

Google Workspace

Student Information Systems

Job description

FastForward/G3 Career Coach (Restricted)

Reporting to the Coordinator for Admissions and Advising Services, the FastForward/G3 Career Coach will assist students enrolled in short‑term, non‑credit FastForward programs and credit‑bearing programs that qualify for G3 funding in transitioning from workforce training to successful employment. The coach will help students overcome barriers to success by connecting them to supportive services in the region and maintaining regular communication throughout training and credentialing programs.

Note: This is a two‑year grant funded position which will end on May 31, 2028.

Responsibilities

• Assist students enrolled in FastForward (short‑term, non‑credit) programs in preparing for successful transitions to employment.
• Serve as a liaison between the college’s Workforce Development department and Student Services staff, keeping the latter informed about policies and practices relevant to FastForward programs.
• Discuss career and educational goals and available pathways with students, including short‑term workforce credential opportunities and traditional academic degree programs.
• Utilize a case‑management model to work with FastForward students in preparing for success in the workplace, including documenting interactions.
• Meet with students individually and in group or classroom settings (including evening classes) to provide career‑planning advice.
• Connect students enrolling in college credit programs to tutoring and other academic supports as needed, as well as to financial aid resources—including Virginia’s G3 funding, Federal Title IV student aid funding, and scholarship opportunities through the college’s foundation.
• Conduct follow‑up studies of student experiences after they have entered the workplace.
• Utilize technology and other resources to connect with students.
• Contribute to the success of the Workforce Development and Student Services teams, maintaining a physical presence in the locations of both departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide career‑coaching support for both FastForward/G3 and credit‑bearing program students to ensure completion of program and credential attainment, in addition to job‑placement and retention assistance for students completing workforce training and credentialing.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of barriers to educational success and a desire to help others reach their educational goals using evidence‑based solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to help engage, support, and motivate students.
• Excellent customer‑service skills, including the ability to effectively follow up and follow through.
• Understanding of the needs of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including the ability to communicate with racially, ethnically, economically, and age‑diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge of career‑exploration programs and experience providing personalized advice on career and postsecondary options.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage tasks while working in a demanding, fast‑paced environment with changing priorities, meeting required deadlines and work priorities.
• Proficiency in technology—including Office 365, student information systems, and Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Desire to learn and grow by participating in professional development opportunities.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality with student records.

Additional Considerations

• Work experience in a higher education setting, academic/career coaching, or academic advising.
• Demonstrated knowledge of PeopleSoft, customer‑management systems, career‑service platforms, or similar educational technologies.
• Knowledge of available financial‑aid and scholarship information.

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non‑merit factors.