Career Navigator

SGA YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES NFP•Chicago, IL

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

The Career Navigator will assist with recruiting and retaining 50 youth into employability skills training, unsubsidized placement, and long-term employment. This role involves developing and implementing an employer engagement strategy to create unsubsidized work experiences for youth aged 18-24. The position requires marketing, recruiting, and maintaining relationships with employers, helping youth identify career goals, and developing Individualized Career Plans. The Career Navigator will also co-facilitate employability skills training, collaborate with community resources, and connect clients with job opportunities, training programs, and educational resources. Tracking client progress, identifying barriers to employment, and re-engaging youth with inconsistent attendance are key responsibilities. The role also includes attending mandatory trainings, maintaining up-to-date files, potentially transporting students, and responding promptly to communications. Data entry into the Enterprise Case Management System (ECM) and preparing required reports are also essential functions.

Requirements

Experience working one-on-one with at-risk youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Ability to display sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences present in the service population.
Must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance required for work-related travel.
Must be able to remain stationary 50% of the time.
Must be able to frequently move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Must be able to transport oneself to and from home visits.
Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.
Constantly moves to assist during program activities.
At times, it may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. for various needs.
Frequently moves in outdoor weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in case management or job counseling is often preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree in social work, criminal justice, or related field, preferred.
Experience working with young adults 18-24 years of age, preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists with recruiting and retaining 50 youth into employability skills training, unsubsidized placement, and long-term employment.
Works with Director to develop and implement an employer engagement strategy to develop unsubsidized work experiences for youth between the ages of 18 and 24.
Markets, recruits and maintains relationships with employers that will expose youth to long-term employment.
Help youth identify their career goals and develop an Individualized Career Plan to address areas for improvement; assists with employment placements for specific career goals.
Works with SGA leadership to develop and implement hiring events and job fairs for youth.
Works with other youth advocates, justice system representatives, etc. to help support youth remain in compliance of all mandates.
Co-facilitates employability skills training for all youth that will lead to gainful employment.
Works in collaboration within the targeted communities to cultivate relationships with local community resources.
Connect clients with job opportunities, training programs, and educational resources to enhance their employability.
Track and document clients’ progress towards their career goals, adjusting plans as necessary to ensure success.
Guide clients through career assessments to identify interests, skills and suitable career paths.
Identify barriers to employment and provide referrals to appropriate resources to help clients overcome these challenges.
Reaches out and re-engage youth that have inconsistent attendance, work with families to bring resources to the home, and connect with programs.
Attends mandatory trainings implemented by SGA or funder.
Ensures files remain up-to-date and in compliance.
Transporting students in vehicle to and from program related activities may be required.
Implements other services requested by SGA.
Responds in a timely manner to all written correspondence, email and phone calls.
Meet program youth and staff timesheet submission, reporting and activity deadlines
Update Enterprise Case Management System database (ECM) on a weekly basis.
Attends regular supervision, team meetings and other professional workshops to enhance job skills.
Administer SGA and DFSS survey at the end of the program to assess participant experience.
Data entry includes but is not limited to youth enrollment and daily youth attendance and activities which is required weekly. components are required in the data system: Work Plan, DFSS Youth Intake Forms completed in hard copy DFSS Youth Enrollment Portal, activity entry and attendance, contractual certification information, outputs, and outcomes.
Maintain participant files, Bus Card logs, Timesheets and all required DFSS documentation.
Conducts required reports and data material to SGA such as the Employability and Life Skills Assessment.
Other duties as assigned.