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:   The Refugee Services Career Coach is responsible for developing strong job leads and providing high-quality career counseling, training, and job placement assistance to refugee and immigrant job seekers in the greater Boston area. The Career Coach initiates and sustains collaborative working relationships with a variety of local businesses for participants’ employment and training opportunities.  This individual must have a strong knowledge about issues related to individuals with significant barriers to employment as well as 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. 

Bilingual or additional language proficiency preferred, especially in languages spoken by immigrant participants (i.e., Arabic, Dari, French, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Ukrainian)

• Enroll new participants via outreach and frequent communication with referral agencies and community partners.
• Assist program participants in initial goal setting, career planning, and training leading to job placement, skills upgrades and career advancement.
• Assist program participants in individual, group, and classroom settings in job search-related activities; provides job readiness and vocational training as needed.
• Escort participants to job interviews and facilitate interview and hiring process, as needed.
• Actively develop new and maintain existing employer relationships.
• Provide post-placement services including follow-up with participant and employer.
• Establish, track and meet program dashboard indicators (enrollment, job placement, retention, etc.)

• Support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (participants, employers, partner organizations, refugee resettlement organizations, funders, Department of Transitional Assistance, interns, etc.)
• Work as part of a team, sharing job leads and collaborating on workshops, classes, group interviews and any other tasks as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and team-based projects.
• Assist fellow team members when needed.

• Organize and maintain files and records.
• Communicate regularly with Supervisor and department leadership to ensure smooth delivery of services.
• Contribute summary reports for employers, funders, JVS leadership and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date information in all databases.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

• Associate Degree in Human Services, Business Administration or related field required.
• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development, coaching, or related field required.
• 1-3 years of experience working with individuals with barriers to employment strongly desired
• Experience in marketing and outreach desired
• Knowledge of refugee or immigrant services, Department of Transitional Assistance programs, community resources, and web-based resources preferred.
• Bilingual or additional language proficiency preferred, especially in languages spoken by refugee and immigrant participants (i.e., Arabic, Dari, French, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Ukrainian)
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite / Microsoft 365 skills 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.