Pathways Career Coach

Friends of the Children•Portland, OR

12d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Friends of the Children, we are committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through long-term, salaried, professional mentoring relationships. Our model pairs youth facing the greatest obstacles with a dedicated professional mentor, called a Friend, from kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond, for 12+ years, no matter what. As we expand our Pathways for Young Adults strategy, we are seeking a dedicated, relationship-centered, and youth-focused professional to join us as a Pathways Career Coach. This is a unique opportunity to support young people ages 16-22 as they navigate one of life's most important transitions: moving from high school into adulthood. As a Pathways Career Coach, you will guide youth and program graduates as they explore postsecondary education, career pathways, workforce opportunities, and the life skills necessary to thrive as independent adults. Working closely with youth, professional mentors, families, employers, educational institutions, and community partners, you will help ensure young people have the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to successfully pursue their goals and unlock their full potential. The transition from high school to adulthood is a critical period that often determines long-term educational, career, and economic outcomes. Through individualized coaching and sustained relationship-building, the Pathways Career Coach helps young people develop and execute personalized Life Plans that reflect their strengths, interests, values, and aspirations. This position plays an essential role in helping youth: Meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of young people during a critical life transition. The opportunity to be part of an innovative national initiative focused on postsecondary success, workforce readiness, and economic mobility. A passionate team committed to youth-centered practice and lasting outcomes. Professional growth within a nationally recognized youth development organization. A culture grounded in belonging, collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Curious to learn more? The job description is below: The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Basic Function / Position Objective: The Pathways Career Coach supports between 50-75 young people ages 16-22 (youth in the Friends of the Children program and program graduates) in exploring, planning, and achieving their goals for life after high school. This role combines individualized coaching, career exploration, and postsecondary readiness support to ensure that young people develop clear, actionable pathways aligned with their strengths, interests, and values. The Pathways Career Coach builds sustained relationships with young people and serves as a trusted advisor, guiding them through decision-making related to postsecondary, career training, and workforce opportunities. Success includes supporting youth to advance through key milestones in their individualized Life Plans, youth engagement and program satisfaction, and the achievement of postsecondary opportunities and persistence. This position reports to the Associate Director of the Pathways for Young Adults Program housed within the Friends of the Children National Center of Excellence for Professional Youth Mentoring and is a member of the National Strategy and Innovation Team. The position will be assigned to partner with the Portland Friends of the Children chapter with rising seniors and program alumni, focusing on the Portland Metro Area market/region as their stakeholders in the work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Experience working with underserved or first-generation students
Strong coaching, advising, or mentoring background
Knowledge of postsecondary pathways (college, career training, workforce)
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Experience developing and maintaining partnerships related to college access and/or career pathways
Experience in college access, workforce development, or youth development programs
Youth/Young Adult-centered mindset
Ability to build trust and maintain long-term relationships
Collaborative, able to work well with others to advance shared goals
Positive and strengths-based
Strong organizational and time management skills
Cultural responsiveness and adaptability
Problem-solving and resourcefulness

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with FAFSA, scholarships, and admissions processes
Experience developing and delivering college access and/or career training curriculum
Experience working with adolescents and/or young adults in college and/or career access programming
Knowledge of career training and advancement trends and labor market data
Proficiency with CRM/data systems and performance tracking tools
Multilingual skills

Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 and small-group coaching to students (typically ages 16-22, starting junior/senior year and continuing through age 22)
While in high school, work with young person and their professional mentor (Friend) to build an individualized and comprehensive, postsecondary and career “Life Plan,” inclusive of that young person’s plan after high school for health and wellbeing, relationships and community, postsecondary and career readiness, and financial independence.
Support young person in identifying interests, strengths, and long-term goals
Support youth, in partnership with their Friend, in building practical adult-life skills, including communication, problem solving, decision-making, self-management, financial literacy, housing, transportation, health care, and navigating community systems.
Help youth access concrete supports and services through resource navigation, referrals, advocacy, and follow-up.
Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed through to age 22 as youth graduate the Friends of the Children program and move into young adulthood
Guide high school students through postsecondary and, as needed, financial aid processes (applications, FAFSA, scholarships)
Facilitate career exploration, including exposure to high-growth industries and non-degree pathways
Support development of essential skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and professional communication
Facilitate and/or connect young people with career-connected learning opportunities, including job shadows, internships, work-based learning, informational interviews, and employer connections.
Work with local and regional sector-based partners to maximize opportunities for young people
Leverage platforms and partnerships to expand students’ professional networks
Organize workshops, panels, and career exploration events
Track individual youth progress, outcomes, and key milestones
Gather and use youth feedback to adapt supports and improve the program experience
Use data to inform coaching strategies and program improvements
Maintain accurate records in program database
In partnership with a Friend or Family Engagement Specialist, engage families to support the development of the young person’s “Life Plan” and ongoing planning
Collaborate with school (both high school and postsecondary) staff, community organizations, and employers to support the young person to advance their goals
Serve as an advocate for young person’s access to opportunities holistically, inclusive of community involvement, wellbeing, and postsecondary and career

Benefits

Health insurance (100% of employee only premium for 2 of 4 plans)
Dental insurance (100% of employee only premium)
Vision insurance (100% of employee only premium)
Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (100% paid by Friends of the Children)
Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability (100% paid by Friends of the Children)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary Benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Legal, etc.
401(k) savings plan with a company match of up to the first 4% of earnings
Cell phone and/or Internet Reimbursement ($75/month)
Office reimbursement ($150 per year)
Vacation time (up to three weeks paid annually for the first 4 years)
Sick Time (two weeks/80 hours awarded annually)
Eleven paid holidays (three of which are Floating holidays)
Career Development and Wellness Reimbursement ($1000 after first year, up to $200 for Wellness)
Summer hours and end of year holiday gift of time off
Employee Perks and Discount Programs