Career Navigator, Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Career Navigator works in the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program, which helps eligible Washington Basic Food recipients build skills and prepare for employment. The position works directly with participants to identify their strengths, interests, and goals and develop individualized employment plans. Career navigation includes exploring career options, accessing education and training, preparing resumes and applications, connecting with employers, and addressing barriers such as transportation, childcare, and access to technology.

Using a strengths-based, participant-centered, culturally responsive, antiracist, and trauma-informed approach, the Career Navigator provides ongoing coaching, coordinates services with YWCA colleagues and community partners, and maintains accurate records to support participant progress and program requirements. The role is 100% onsite; hybrid and remote work are not available. Travel to other YWCA sites and community locations may be required.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience supporting people through employment services, community programs, education, housing, customer service, or a related setting; relevant volunteer experience, community involvement, and transferable skills will be considered.
• A combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the role; a college degree is not required.
• Ability to build respectful, supportive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners.
• Understanding of barriers that may affect employment, such as poverty, racism, housing instability, limited access to childcare, or transportation challenges.
• Commitment to YWCA’s mission and willingness to learn and apply antiracist, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed practices.
• Clear communication, listening, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to help participants identify goals and navigate resources.
• Ability to organize work, follow through on commitments, maintain accurate records, and protect confidential information.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and online applications, with the ability to learn required databases.
• Ability to travel between worksites and community locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with BFET, eJAS, WorkSource, or King County employment and community resources.
• Experience helping others with job searches, resumes, applications, or access to community services.
• Experience working with communities of color or people experiencing economic or housing instability.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and enroll eligible participants, complete assessments, and develop individualized employment plans based on participants’ strengths, interests, and goals.
• Provide career coaching and practical assistance with resumes, interviews, job searches, online applications, and basic digital skills.
• Connect participants with education, vocational training, and employment opportunities that align with their goals.
• Help participants access transportation, childcare, housing resources, and other supports that address barriers to employment.
• Maintain regular contact with participants to support progress, job retention, and career advancement.
• Build relationships with employers, training providers, WorkSource, and community organizations to expand participant opportunities.
• Coordinate referrals and services with YWCA colleagues and external partners.
• Participate in community events, job fairs, and partner meetings to recruit participants and share program resources.
• Verify eligibility and maintain timely, accurate, and confidential participant records in eJAS and other required systems.
• Document services, participant progress, reimbursements, and employment outcomes in accordance with program requirements.
• Support reporting, file reviews, and program monitoring by keeping documentation complete and addressing needed corrections.
• Participate in required training and team meetings, stay informed about BFET requirements, and contribute to improvements in participant services.
• Apply antiracism, trauma-informed practices, and respect for participant choice throughout daily work.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, a retirement plan, and vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans.
• Employees may voluntarily enroll in the 403b plan at the time of hire.
• After typically two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA retirement fund with a 14% employer contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed