JMG Pathways Specialist

kinexus; Paw Paw (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinexus Group in Paw Paw, MI, seeks a JMG Pathways Specialist to support youth in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. The role provides individualized coaching, career advising, and access to real-world experiences to build skills and guide postsecondary or employment pathways.

Youth-focused services align in-school and out-of-school supports, ensuring high-quality, equitable delivery from middle school through graduation and beyond.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, education, workforce development, or related field.
• Experience with at-risk or opportunity youth in coaching, case management, or educational roles.
• Knowledge of positive youth development strategies and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to travel across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized coaching and support to youth in Van Buren county based on JMG curricula.
• Help youth set personal, academic, and career goals reflecting strengths and labor market data.
• Deliver JMG-aligned career readiness training, resume support, and interview prep.
• Assist youth in exploring high-demand career pathways and postsecondary options.
• Coordinate with Michigan Works! services and WIOA Youth programs to ensure access to resources.
• Collaborate with schools, employers, and providers to expand opportunities for youth.
• Maintain accurate records and participate in program evaluation and outreach.

Skills

Coaching

Case management

Trauma-informed practices

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services / education / workforce development

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data systems

Job description

OUR ORGANIZATION:

Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.

THE TEAM:

The Michigan Works Team is made up of dedicated professionals whose role is to develop the local workforce and build a talent pipeline to meet current and future needs of employers in the area.

JOB SUMMARY:

The JMG Pathways Specialist plays a critical role in supporting young people in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties as they explore career options, build essential skills, and navigate a successful path toward postsecondary education, training, or employment. Grounded in the principles of Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) and aligned with workforce development programming, this position provides individualized coaching, career advising, and access to real-world experiences that empower youth to achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.

The JMG Pathways Specialist will work to align in-school and out-of-school services, ensuring youth receive consistent, high-quality support from middle school through graduation and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Youth Coaching and Career Development

• Provide individualized coaching and support to youth in Van Buren county, grounded in the core principles and curriculum of Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG)
• Guide youth in setting personal, academic, and career goals based on their strengths, interests, and labor market information
• Deliver JMG-aligned career readiness training, resume support, interview preparation, and life skills coaching
• Support youth in exploring high-demand career pathways and making informed decisions about their postsecondary education, training, or employment options

Pathway Access and Program Navigation

• Ensure youth understand and have access to workforce development programming and Michigan Works! services, including WIOA Youth, support services, and other available resources
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource and connector for youth workforce programs and services, including WIOA. Maintain up-to-date understanding of local, state, and federal policies, handbooks, and best practices to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Connect youth to traditional and non-traditional training opportunities, including apprenticeships, short-term credentials, and work-based learning experiences

Partnership and Collaboration

• Partner with schools, employers, training providers, and community organizations to expand youth access to career-connected opportunities
• Maintain and nurture referral relationships with service providers, educators, and mentors

Program Operations and Data Management

• Maintain accurate records, case notes, and documentation in alignment with JMG standards, federal, state, and local grant requirements and organizational performance expectations
• Conduct assessments, track progress, and follow up with youth to ensure continued engagement and goal attainment
• Participate in workshops, events, and community outreach to promote youth programming

Team Alignment and Strategic Support

• Collaborate with internal teams to align services with broader organizational strategies
• Partner with Kinexus Group teams, including policy, quality assurance, and data teams, to ensure youth programming is high-quality, compliant, and consistently implemented in alignment with JMG and statewide standards
• Support continuous improvement by actively implementing best practices, incorporating feedback from leadership and peers, and sharing insights from the field to enhance program quality and consistency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in human services, education, workforce development, or related field; or equivalent combination of experience and training
• Experience working with at-risk or opportunity youth in a coaching, case management, or educational role
• Knowledge of positive youth development strategies and trauma-informed practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and relate to diverse youth populations
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data systems; ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Ability to travel across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth empowerment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with workforce development, WIOA Youth, or JMG programming
• Experience facilitating workshops, training sessions, or group activities
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Flexible and open office concept

In-person position based out of the Paw Paw Michigan Works office; the regular schedule is Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and includes field