Career Navigator at Fairfield

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, Inc.•Fairfield, OH

About The Position

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is seeking a Career Navigator to provide comprehensive career guidance and support to participants, including justice-involved, unemployed, and underemployed clients. The role includes regular participant check-ins, career assessments, goal setting, job-search coaching, training and enrollment guidance, and support after job placement. The Career Navigator also organizes workshops, develops employer relationships, and prepares reports on program activity and outcomes.

Requirements

Experience in career counseling, coaching, or human resources.
At least 3 years of experience in supported employment or vocational rehabilitation.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Knowledge of local labor markets, job development strategies, job market trends, and employer expectations.
Proficiency with career assessment tools and job-search platforms.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of justice-involved, unemployed, and underemployed clients.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication.
Critical-thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, research, conflict-resolution, workflow implementation, human-relations, and time-management skills; integrity and ability to motivate others toward goals.
Familiarity with relevant regulations and standards in supported employment.
A bachelor's degree in social work, human services, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field is preferred; three to four years of relevant work experience and Career Navigator Certified through GII may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field.
Career Navigator Certified through GII.

Responsibilities

Schedule regular participant check-ins and conduct follow-up career assessments using standardized tools and in-depth interviews.
Review job-search progress and identify barriers such as transportation, childcare, or financial constraints.
Work collaboratively with participants to set realistic career goals and develop tailored job-search plans.
Guide participants in developing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and building professional networks.
Help participants use the Opportunity Accelerator platform and identify suitable training programs.
Provide information and assistance concerning financial aid, scholarships, applications, enrollment paperwork, and deadlines.
Provide academic advising and ongoing support to help participants stay on track with coursework and satisfactory academic progress.
Plan and schedule workshops on job readiness, soft skills, and industry-specific training; promote them and gather participant feedback.
Provide job-search resources, develop relationships with local employers, and refer participants to suitable job opportunities.
Provide additional interview and resume support and post-placement assistance with job retention and career advancement.
Create a reporting calendar based on funder requirements and internal assessment schedules.
Collect participation metrics, compile reports on program effectiveness and participant progress, and distribute reports to relevant stakeholders.