Career Navigator

International Rescue Committee•Oakland, CA

1d•$29 - $30

About The Position

The Career Navigator develops, places, and monitors paid and unpaid work experience opportunities for out-of-school youth ages 16–24 enrolled in the IRC’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs. These opportunities may include internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships, and are intended to help participants build work habits, soft skills, and occupational exposure. The role identifies and secures worksites with employers, schools, and community organizations; matches youth to placements aligned with their Individual Service Strategy (ISS) and career interests; negotiates and executes worksite agreements; and monitors safety, attendance, performance, and payroll. The Career Navigator works closely with the Employer Engagement Supervisor, Job Developer, Workforce Development team, Financial Capabilities team, employers, and the local Workforce Development Board to ensure placements comply with WIOA regulations and provide meaningful, supervised work experiences. The position uses independent judgment to resolve complex worksite, compliance, and participant issues and serves as a subject matter resource on WEX requirements for program and partner staff. This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. It has an end date of June 30, 2029. The work involves a combination of office-based work and fieldwork, including regular local travel, mainly in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with occasional travel to other counties. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Compensation is $29.10–$30 per hour.

Requirements

At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in job development, employer relations, career counseling, case management, or youth workforce programs.
Working knowledge of WIOA and WIOA youth program elements, or the ability to learn program regulations and local workforce board policy quickly.
Demonstrated ability to build employer relationships and negotiate worksite agreements that balance employer needs with participant learning goals.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for worksite agreements, timesheet processing, payroll coordination, and case-file compliance, with the ability to manage multiple placements and competing deadlines independently.
Working knowledge of applicable labor laws and basic workplace safety standards.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including comfort engaging employers, youth, and families.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Fluency in English.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally to worksites and meet with employers and youth.
Ability to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate youth and employer schedules.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, human services, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with federally funded youth programs.
Direct experience with WIOA work experience, on-the-job training, or subsidized employment.
Experience working with out-of-school youth facing barriers such as school dropout, foster care or justice system involvement, homelessness, disability, or pregnant/parenting status.
Experience with a state workforce case management system such as CalJOBS.
Proficiency in one or more languages spoken by the local client population, such as Spanish or Dari.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, and maintain a pipeline of subsidized and unsubsidized Work Experience (WEX) worksites with employers across industries and occupations, focusing on high-quality sectors such as healthcare, IT, and transportation.
Negotiate and execute WEX Worksite Agreements defining job duties, supervision, schedules, wages when subsidized, duration, and learning objectives in accordance with WIOA regulations and local workforce board policy.
Coordinate with the Employer of Record regarding WEX placements, wages, and schedules.
Assess participants’ job readiness, interests, and ISS and career goals with their assigned Case Managers; match youth to appropriate placements and collaborate across teams to support transitions to unsubsidized employment, training, or education.
Conduct new-hire orientation with youth and employers covering workplace expectations, safety, attendance, program rules, prohibitions on overtime, and participant hour limits.
Monitor placements through supervisor check-ins and participant progress reviews; document observations and independently address performance or conduct issues.
Track participant hours, placements, and outcomes against program limits and WIOA performance measures; maintain accurate records in the required state case management system and IRC program databases.
Recommend improvements to WEX processes, tools, and employer recruitment strategies.
Build and maintain employer relationships and serve as the primary contact for worksite supervisors during work experiences.
Participate in program, partner, and funder meetings and required WIOA and grant trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned to support work experience development, placement, and monitoring goals.

Benefits

10 paid sick leave days
10 U.S. holidays
20–25 paid time off days based on role and tenure
Medical insurance starting at $163 per month
Dental insurance starting at $6.50 per month
Vision insurance starting at $5 per month
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting
403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match and immediate vesting
Non-elective employer retirement contribution based on age and years of service, with three-year vesting
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support for employees and their families