Career Navigator, Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish • Seattle, WA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Career Navigator works in YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish’s Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program, which supports eligible Washington Basic Food recipients in building skills and preparing for employment. The position works directly with participants to identify their strengths, interests, and goals and develop individualized employment plans. The Career Navigator helps participants explore careers, access education and training, prepare resumes and applications, find jobs, and connect with employers. The role also supports participants in addressing barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing needs, and access to technology.

Using a strengths-based, participant-centered, culturally responsive, antiracist, and trauma-informed approach, the Career Navigator provides ongoing coaching and coordinates resources with YWCA colleagues and community partners. The position verifies eligibility, maintains confidential and accurate records in eJAS and other required systems, documents services and outcomes, and supports reporting and program monitoring.

This position is 100% onsite; hybrid and remote work are not available. Travel to other YWCA sites and community locations may be required. The role involves regular communication and use of a computer and office equipment, as well as sitting, standing, walking, and travel. Employees may lift and carry materials typically up to 5 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds, and may occasionally bend, reach, or stand for extended periods during outreach activities and job fairs. Staff may be exposed to clients experiencing or recovering from trauma and are at risk of secondary trauma.

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 are considered.
• A combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the role; a college degree is not required.
• Ability to build respectful, supportive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and collaborate with colleagues and community partners.
• Understanding of barriers that may affect employment, including 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, including 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, and 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

• Medical insurance.
• Retirement plan, including voluntary enrollment in the 403b plan at hire and, typically after two years of employment, eligibility for the YWCA retirement fund with a 14% employer contribution.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans.

What This Job Offers

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