Lead Career Coach, Refugee Services

ABOUT JVS:  JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency.  Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment, build careers, and partner with employers to hire, develop, and retain productive workforces.

JVS provides a broad range of services, including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education.  JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce. 

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Manager of Refugee Services, the Lead Career Coach initiates, strengthens, and sustains key employer and community partnerships; supervises and supports direct service staff; and oversees programming which serves refugees and immigrants seeking rapid employment and Vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages (VESOL) classes. The Lead Career Coach also provides direct services including high quality career counseling, training, and job placement assistance to refugee and immigrant participants in the greater Boston area. This individual must have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. Program participants include refugees from Afghanistan, Haiti, Ukraine and other countries who recently resettled in Massachusetts; immigrant parents who are receiving public benefits (TANF/TAFDC), and other individuals eligible for Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program employment services. 

• Supports and promotes the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency
• Establishes relationships with key stakeholders (clients, employers, partner organizations, funders) and works collaboratively in a structured and on-going manner
• Takes ownership of the Lead Career Coach role as leader for JVS staff, clients and partners 
• Models expected behaviors for JVS staff, clients, and volunteers
• Works collaboratively with and encourages collaboration between JVS teams and team members to ensure agency performance goals are met
• Plans and promotes professional development to maintain proficiency of staff members in job placement techniques and the use of new methods and technology to meet to meet program objectives
• Creates a work environment where all staff and clients feel heard, can express ideas, learn, problem solve and succeed

• Generates strategy and solutions in response to unforeseen and planned changes, setbacks and challenges
• Is flexible to staff learning styles, and sets appropriate limits to ensure all staff perform successfully to meet program goals
• Assists program staff in areas of difficulty and provides additional support when needed

• Hires, trains, and supervises program staff
• Provides all supervisees with a written annual evaluation meeting all agency deadlines for the process
• Establishes, tracks and meets program dashboard indicators (ex. enrollment, placements, retention, skill attainment, client satisfaction, staff skill development, staff retention, staff performance, etc.)
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current workforce development trends, local labor market information, job listings, training opportunities and support services
• Assists clients in individual, group, and classroom settings in job search-related activities; provides job readiness and vocational training and follow-up supports to leading to job placement, skills upgrades, and career advancement. 
• Promotes and develops employment opportunities consistent with clients’ vocational goals, interests and skills
• Provides oversight of marketing, assessment, enrollment, and delivery of services
• Increases internal and external visibility of programs
• Evaluate program performance on a regular basis and provide course correction when necessary

• Communicates regularly with Supervisor to ensure successful program performance
• Provides leadership in resolving disagreements and conflict in a professional and productive manner
• Ensures that all key program data is entered accurately, completely and on time into relevant data tracking systems
• Develop and submits regular program performance reports to JVS leadership, funders, evaluators, and other stakeholders
• Develops and update program related forms and procedures on an ongoing basis
• Leads Rapid Employment staff meetings and team-based projects as needed
• Performs other duties as requested

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required
• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development, coaching or related field required
• Minimum of 1 year of program management and/or supervisory experience preferred 
• Proficiency in a language spoken by program participants is strongly preferred (i.e. Arabic, Dari, French, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Ukrainian)
• Ability to analyze course outcomes and propose means to achieve desired outcomes
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work effectively with staff and clients from diverse cultural, socio-economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds
• Demonstrated effective presentation and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of refugee or immigrant services, Department of Transitional Assistance programs, community resources, and web-based resources preferred
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required

JVS CULTURE:  JVS is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employee differences and similarities.  By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, JVS will better serve our local communities and continue to provide quality services.

JVS is an employment-at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.  Additionally, JVS prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.