Career Counselor-Economic Mobility

Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Since 1937, JFCS Pittsburgh has been pushing what’s possible in human services—combining compassion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to dignity and justice. We partner with people across the region to navigate life’s changes and challenges, designing bold, responsive programs that meet real needs in real time. At JFCS, your work matters. You’ll join a team of passionate problem‑solvers and strategic thinkers who care deeply about people and aren’t afraid to rethink the way support is delivered. Here, creativity is encouraged, compassion drives every decision, and your impact is felt immediately in the community. If you’re looking for more than a job—if you want your work to spark purpose, connection, and meaningful change—JFCS is where you can make it happen. The Career Counselor - Economic Mobility will collaborate with dedicated employment and case management teams to empower barrier-impacted job seekers in pursuing job opportunities and advancing toward their career goals. This role will focus on equipping clients with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to achieve long-term success—whether through employment, education or training, or building momentum in an existing career.

Requirements

2-4 years professional experience in career counseling/coaching, workforce development, or related direct service role.
Expertise supporting individuals working toward greater economic mobility, including identifying barriers to employment and referring clients to appropriate internal and external supports that promote household stability.
Demonstrated ability to build trust and work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a respectful and non-judgmental approach.
A general understanding of workforce trends and local labor markets.
Strong proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Office and client tracking/CRM databases.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to problem solve while managing multiple clients and priorities.
Experience facilitating workshops in individual and group settings, both virtually and in person.
A bachelor's degree or relevant experience in the area(s) of human services, workforce development, business, education, counseling/coaching or related field.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with public benefits systems and how income changes may impact eligibility is preferred.
Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized career counseling, both virtually and in person, to job seekers working toward stable employment and improved financial stability.
Guide clients through exploratory conversations to identify skills, interests, work history, and future goals to inform the career planning process.
Utilize structured tools and assessments to determine client work-readiness and eligibility for other supportive programs and services.
Interpret assessment results to help clients identify priorities and key insights to shape their career pathway direction.
Work with clients to co-create a job search strategy with clear, actionable steps to reach employment, education/training, or career advancement goals.
Ensure each client has high quality application materials needed to conduct a successful job search.
Maintain contact with clients during job search and after placement to support successful job retention and continued progress toward career goals.
Provide on-site career support through regular, community-based office hours for individuals seeking drop-in or one-time assistance.
Help to develop and facilitate virtual workshops matching current workforce trends, including Resume Writing, Job Search Techniques, Interviewing Skills, and other topics as required.
Collaborate regularly with case managers and other internal staff across JFCS departments to ensure coordinated support and access to community resources for clients.
Track and regularly monitor program data, including client engagement and case notes, in the agency database and across other platforms as needed.
Participate in training, community meetings, and professional conferences, representing the Career Services department as required.
Flexibility to adjust work schedule as needed to accommodate occasional evening appointments and/or other program activities.
Assume other related duties as assigned.