Career Navigator

International Rescue Committee • Oakland, CA

5d

About The Position

The Career Navigator develops, places, and monitors paid and unpaid work experience opportunities—including internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships—for out-of-school youth ages 16–24 enrolled in the IRC’s WIOA Out-of-School Youth programs. The role identifies worksites with employers, schools, and community organizations; matches youth to placements aligned with their Individual Service Strategy and career interests; negotiates and executes worksite agreements; and monitors participant safety, attendance, performance, and payroll. The Career Navigator works with employer engagement, workforce development, financial capabilities, employers, and the local Workforce Development Board to ensure placements comply with WIOA regulations and offer meaningful, supervised work experience. The role exercises independent judgment in resolving 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. The position has an end date of June 30, 2029. Compensation is $29.10–$30 per hour, with exact offers calibrated by work location, experience, and skills. The role combines office-based work and fieldwork, including regular local travel, and may require evening and weekend work.

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 ability to learn program regulations and local workforce board policy quickly.
• 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; ability to independently manage multiple placements and competing deadlines.
• Working knowledge of applicable labor laws and basic workplace safety standards.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with 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 visit worksites and meet 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 equivalent combination of education and experience; a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• 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 subsidized and unsubsidized Work Experience worksites with employers across industries and occupations, focusing on high-quality sectors such as healthcare, IT, and transportation.
• Negotiate and execute WEX Worksite Agreements covering job duties, supervision, schedule, wage where 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 Individual Service Strategy and career goals with their assigned Case Manager, and match youth to appropriate placements.
• Collaborate across teams to support participants’ transitions to unsubsidized employment, training, or education.
• Conduct new-hire orientation for youth and employers on workplace expectations, safety, attendance, program rules, overtime prohibitions, 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 required state case management systems and IRC databases.
• Recommend improvements to WEX processes, tools, and employer recruitment strategies.
• Build and sustain employer relationships and serve as the primary contact for worksite supervisors during placements.
• Participate in program, partner, and funder meetings and required WIOA and grant trainings.
• Perform other duties supporting 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/month
• Dental insurance starting at $6.50/month
• Vision insurance starting at $5/month
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match and immediate vesting
• Non-elective employer retirement contribution based on age and years of service, with 3-year vesting
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families

What This Job Offers

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