AW Resource Navigator

EDSI (Educational Data Systems, Inc.)•Valley, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Allentown Works (AW) is a federally funded workforce initiative led by the Allentown Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with local partners. The program aims to get more than 650 residents within the City of Allentown employed by connecting them with training, childcare, transportation, and career pathways in high-demand industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Through partnerships and community-based navigation, Allentown Works supports residents’ access to opportunities that lead to family sustaining wages and long-term success. Allentown Works Resource Navigator Organization: Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI) Project: Allentown Works – Workforce Access and Navigation Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania Reports To: Allentown Works Resource Coordinator Overview The Allentown Works Resource Navigator (AWRN) serves as the primary point of contact for residents seeking access to Allentown Works programs and partner services. The AWRN develops an understanding of the participants’ lifestyle and barriers and helps them identify and connect with employment, training, and supportive service opportunities that match their goals and circumstances such as childcare, transportation, and skill development. This is a community-centered position, combining field work, empathy, and connection. Allentown Works is a place-based initiative prioritizing Allentown’s Franklin Park, Center City, and 1st and 6th Ward neighborhoods. Culture and Values Resource Navigators are at the heart of the Allentown Works vision; connecting people, opportunities, and hope. This role embodies empathy, persistence, and problem-solving, meeting residents where they are and walking with them toward progress. Navigators are collaborative and community-minded, balancing professionalism with genuine care. They are motivated by seeing others succeed and by building trust-based relationships that strengthen the bridge between residents, partners, and long-term opportunity. EDSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our Mission Statement We must strive to create enthusiasm in our clients, see through their eyes, understand their needs and deliver more than they expect. Why We Do What We Do At EDSI We believe we can help our customers overcome their most challenging obstacles We believe in seeing through other people's eyes We believe that we can make a difference in people's lives We believe in meeting people where they are today and helping them to realize a better tomorrow We believe in living our professional lives in service to others EDSI (Educational Data Systems, Inc.) is a national workforce development, training solutions and consulting company with a passion for helping great companies and communities train and retain great people. EDSI works with regions, employers and jobseekers to overcome their most challenging obstacles. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, the company employs more than 800 people across the country. EDSI is a National Best and Brightest® Companies To Work For award winner. For over 45 years, EDSI has worked with workforce development agencies, regional partners and employers to assess and understand workforce development needs and deliver solutions to build better workforces. The company operates more than 120 contracts providing successful business services and jobseeker placement and retention services across the country. EDSI also provides world class training and consulting solutions to a variety of corporations, public entities and governmental agencies. Our history of success stems directly from our commitment to providing our clients with the absolute highest level of service through our diverse and talented team.

Requirements

Lived Experience and/or Deep understanding of Allentown, especially in Franklin Park, Center City, or The Wards preferred.
Strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, and administrative capacity.
Experience in community-based settings, social services, workforce development, education, or related fields.
Ability to manage time effectively, work independently and in teams, and handle confidential information.
Basic proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and comfort with learning new digital tools.
Basic computer and CRM skills.
Commitment to helping residents achieve long-term success.
Must be able to work from different locations reliably throughout the Allentown area as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct an intake assessment with all prospective AW program participants to determine their eligibility for AW supports and/or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, their job readiness, career interests, and needs for other support services including childcare and transportation.
Enroll all eligible AW participants and collect required documentation; upload eligibility into the Allentown Works customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Support participant registration in the PA CareerLink® job search site.
Refer eligible participants to project partners for employment opportunities, education or training programs, and other support services as needed including transportation and childcare options.
Serve as a consistent point of contact and advocate for participants throughout their journey toward employment and stability.
Coordinate with partner organizations to track participant’s progress and resolve service barriers.
Track program data and participant updates in the Allentown Works customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Represent Allentown Works at outreach events and job fairs.
Identify opportunities for improvement in the project process flow, communication with partners and service delivery.
Build and maintain a Resource Inventory that will serve as an online, one-stop shop of Allentown Works supports.