Career Navigator - Union Gap at Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region

Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive in all aspects of life.

To achieve our vision, we are committed to dismantling racism and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion so we can help people reach their fullest potential through our education, job placement, and career pathway services. We do our work with great gratitude for the community donations, purchases, and partnerships that make our mission possible.

Position Summary: The Career Navigator will play a crucial role in providing comprehensive case management services and individualized support to participants in our federally funded Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This grant funded program subsidizes part-time employment and training to adults 55 years of age and older to gain work experience that will lead to unsubsidized private sector employment.

The Career Navigator focuses on empowering clients to achieve their personal and professional goals. This position involves working collaboratively with clients, businesses, community partners, and internal teams to provide support and resources that facilitate positive outcomes. This position will be assigned regions of responsibility for enrollments which will span multiple counties.

This position is based in Yakima County and requires up to 75% travel to cover assigned counties.

Hourly Rate: $19.95 - $21.68 per hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Career Navigator responsibilities include the following and other duties as assigned:

• Complete all Department of Labor (DOL) SCSEP enrollment requirements and maintain communication with potential SCSEP enrollee’s as they go through the enrollment process.
• Conduct thorough assessments of clients' needs, strengths, barriers, and goals.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized action plans that outline short-term and long-term objectives.
• Work closely with other GORR teams to coordinate services and share insights for improving overall program effectiveness.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external service providers, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Facilitate/coordinate workshops and training sessions for clients on topics such as job readiness, financial literacy, communication skills, and personal development.
• Compile and submit required reports into the Grantee Performance Management System (GPMS) and into our GORR Caseworthy data management system.
• Participate in program evaluations and contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts.
  
  

Work Experience Management

• Coordinate with partnered employers/businesses to discuss work site agreements and ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities with SCSEP clients.
• Maintain strong connections with businesses regarding their on-the-job experience with interns, ensuring ongoing in person connection with interns on their work sites. Ensure processes are in place to support both the businesses and the interns regarding the program expectations and needs.
• Constantly look for new work experience opportunities, and ensure those opportunities align with the goals of participants.
• Ensure timecards are appropriately and timely filled out by interns to be entered into the GORR Lyric time management system.
  
  

Case Management

• Provide case management and retention support to enrolled program participants, and other support as needed to maintain participant motivation and engagement.
• Complete intake activities to ascertain needs; determine eligibility, suitability, and orientation; and develop service strategies.
• Implement assessments, interpret results, and guide participants using Opportunity Accelerator model, connecting outcomes to targeted careers and educational pathways.
• Perform a variety of office and administrative duties including collection of participant data and accurate record keeping, case noting, plan creation, correspondence, report preparation, expense reconciliation, etc., in an accurate and timely manner. Includes grant activity reports.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and workshops as required by grantors and/or to enhance professional development.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to clients, monitoring progress toward goals and making necessary adjustments to action plans.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files, documenting client interactions, service referrals, and out
• Effectively utilize digital files and other records in accordance with grants requirements.
  
  

Advocacy and Support

• Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure access to services, fair treatment, and opportunities.
• Offer emotional support and encouragement to clients, assisting them in building self-confidence and resilience.
  
  

Resource Navigation

• Provide resource navigation through career planning, development of career maps, and subsequent development plans
• Identify and connect clients with appropriate community resources, services, and programs to address their specific needs (e.g., housing, employment, healthcare, education).
• Assist clients in accessing government assistance programs, grants, and other financial support options.
• Provide the participant with needed job-related supports when SCSEP funds are available.
  
  

Support And Engage Community Partnerships

• Support the development of partner and business relationships.
• Market programs and opportunities to customers and community partners.
• Effectively build partnerships, collaborate, and serve as a program liaison with internal partners, including Goodwill department representatives from Retail, Workforce Development Services, and Human Resources.