Workforce - Community Navigator

Commerce City; Commerce City (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in Commerce City is seeking a Workforce-Community Navigator to enhance the city's workforce development pathway program. Key responsibilities include building relationships with residents and employers, supporting clients in job readiness, and collaborating with community partners. A Bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of three years' experience in workforce development are required. The role involves driving city vehicles and requires a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in workforce development or related field.
• Experience working with diverse populations required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement the workforce development pathway program.
• Build relationships with program participants and connect them to resources.
• Support division clients in job search and readiness activities.
• Develop partnerships with schools and community organizations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Data collection

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, social work, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Office equipment

Job description

Overview

Join our dynamic Community Well-Being division as a Workforce-Community Navigator. In this pivotal role, you will coordinate and implement our city's workforce development pathway program, working to enhance wraparound supports and educational initiatives that drive success. As a key facilitator, you will build and maintain meaningful relationships with residents, employers, and community partners, connecting them to valuable resources and learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assists in planning, development, implementation, and management of program strategies, procedures, goals, and performance measures: tracks and makes recommendations for improvements to achieve desired outcomes
• Builds relationships with program participants to understand their unique needs and connects them to resources, educational opportunities, and career pathways in alignment with workforce development objectives
• Supports division clients in job search and readiness by assisting with employment navigation, application preparation, and overall workforce readiness activities
• Provides educational, employment, and stabilization-related information, resources, outreach, and referrals to support participant success
• Develops and implements collaborative partnerships with schools, community organizations, and service providers to expand access to education, workforce training, and wraparound services
• Recruits employers and maintains ongoing relationships to create streamlined pathways for program participants into internships, apprenticeships, and job placements
• Conducts outreach to schools, community groups, and partner organizations; establishes and maintains relationships with staff, students, families, and community stakeholders
• Collaborates with both internal and external partners to enhance existing programs and develop innovative initiatives and services that effectively address the employment and educational needs of the community; identifying and mitigating barriers, develop plans for service provision
• Oversees and manages grant applications, allocations, and reporting to ensure alignment with program goals; identifies and pursues funding, materials, and other resources to support community outreach and program initiatives
• Serves as a liaison between community partners; participates and serves as a City representative in community and county meetings and school-based groups
• Recruits partners to provide on-site services such as low-income tax preparation, financial literacy classes, GED/ESL/Citizenship courses, and other educational or workforce development opportunities
• Coordinates supportive programming with partners, including housing and childcare resources, financial literacy workshops, income management support, and employment readiness classes (resume writing, job applications, interviewing)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, social work, criminal justice, criminology, public administration, education, sociology, or a related field. Minimum of three years' experience in workforce development, social work, employment counseling, job search skill instruction, or related experience.

Experience working with diverse populations and training in trauma-informed care or poverty issues are required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• educational principles, curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques
• workforce development and career pathway principles
• wraparound/stabilization services availability and development
• navigating employment systems, including familiarity with job search techniques, resume writing, interviewing skills, and knowledge of local job market trends and resources
• poverty causes, trends, issues, and solutions
• current and historical criminal and social justice movements
• existing community resources available to assist individuals in need
• working with government, private, and non-profit organizations on joint projects
• office equipment in the completion of daily activities

Skills

• organizational skills and experience maintaining filing systems
• customer service and client relationship skills
• performing mathematical calculations; addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals, basic principles of algebra and geometry, and estimating time and weight
• formatting documents and general professional communication standards including punctuation, spelling, and grammar

Ability

• prepare and professionally deliver presentations to the public, city council, and other groups; must be able to interact with others in a positive manner
• write or assist in data collection for proposals, grant applications, financing packages, or items that develop resources
• build relationships with program participants, program partners, and stakeholders
• identify strategic program needs and develop strategies to meet needs
• work and communicate with individuals with disabilities and make necessary adaptations
• apply comprehensive, practical, and technical knowledge with the use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities
• consider different points of view and to use elements of persuasion to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas, and to reach an agreement
• engage residents in the field with direct service provision
• relate to individuals and groups from a wide variety of educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• use independent judgment and decision-making within established policy
• handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy
• work extended, irregular hours when necessary
• handle and maintain confidential information

Equipment, Work Environment, and Physical Activities

• Driving: Drives a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business
• Office Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell), camera, and electronic diagnostic equipment. Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel
• Other Equipment: Occasional use of ladders
• Physical Activities: Moderate physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying
• Lifting: Frequently lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds
• Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones and respond to verbal inquiries. Must be able to recognize sounds indicating nearby equipment and safety hazards
• Exposure to Environmental Conditions: Will be exposed to extreme heat, cold, dry, wet, odors, smoke, loud noises, vibrations, dust or intense light and hazards normally associated with construction sites. May be exposed to chemicals including cleaners, solvents, paints and other potentially toxic agents. Work may be performed in precarious or tight spaces
• Schedule: Position generally scheduled Monday - Friday; occasionally weekend work. May require attendance at off-site meetings
• Additional Working Conditions: May be exposed to work settings that vary in convenience and comfort. May be required to visit external, non-city work sites with the City having limited control over the work environment
• Safety Sensitive: This position is subject to the city’s drug screening
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities for the essential functions of the job

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications. Employees are accountable for all duties associated with this position.

The City of Commerce City is an equal opportunity employer.