Lead Career Coach, Disabilities

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers; and to 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 Senior Manager of Disability Services, The Lead Career Coach builds, strengthens and grows key partnerships, supervises and supports direct service staff, tracks and reports all relevant program data and outcomes and evaluates programmatic success. The Lead Career Coach provides a full continuum of services to people with disabilities including job search assistance and placement, career coaching and job development. The Lead Career Coach also institutes any necessary upgrades and changes to ensure success of the program, creates documents for submission to JVS leadership, funders, evaluators and other stakeholders. 

This Lead Career Coach position will directly supervise at least one Career Coach. Initially, the Lead Career Coach will collaborate with this Career Coach to oversee JVS’s services for Department of Developmental Services clients who are referred to JVS directly for 1:1 services and clients who are also served by House of Possibilities one of JVS’s community partners. 

This Lead Career Coach position will also be responsible for working with the Senior Director of the Department to standardize and strengthen our current services for DDS clients, assist with the extensive bi-annual DDS licensure and certification audits, and preparing the department for ongoing expansion in this key service area. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Building relationships, collaboration, and teamwork:

• Supports and promotes the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency
• Establishes relationships with key stakeholders (clients/students, employers, partner organizations, schools, and funders) and works collaboratively in a structured and on-going manner in person and virtually
• Takes ownership of the Lead Career Coach role as leader for JVS staff, clients, and partners
• Models expected behaviors for JVS staff and clients
• Works collaboratively with and encourage collaboration between JVS teams and team members to ensure agency performance goals are met
• Plans in-service training programs to maintain proficiency of staff members in job placement techniques and the use of new methods and technology to meet placement objective
• Creates a work environment where all staff and clients feel heard, can express ideas, learn, problem solve and succeed
• Establish, build and strengthen meaningful employer relationships identifying employer hiring practices, staffing and training needs
• Responsible for employer engagement activities including meetings, follow up and internal JVS coordination of communication activities with Key Employers
• Educate employer partners about JVS resources and coordinate multi-program employer meetings designed to address multiple needs at employer partners
• Provide on-site job coaching for clients at employer sites on an as needed basis
• Provides additional support and coverage for Transitions to Work sessions as needed
• Support Clients with interviews and on-site career coaching at employers both during and, as occasionally required, after standard program hours (i.e., nights and weekends) 

Adapting to Change

• 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

Contribute to Program Success

• Serves on the Departmental Leadership team
• Assists with hiring and responsible for training and supervising program staff
• Provides all supervisees with a written annual evaluation meeting all agency deadlines for the process
• Establishes, track and meet program dashboard indicators (ex. Enrollment, placements, retention, skill attainment, client satisfaction, staff skill development, staff retention, staff performance)
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current workforce development trends, local labor market information, job listings, training opportunities and support services
• Promotes and develops employment opportunities consistent with the participant’s vocational goals, interests and skills
• Tracks and coordinates specific DDS requirements such as Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and QUEST audits
• Partners with House of Possibilities Easton’s CCAP Director to plan, coordinate, and evaluate CCAP services 
• Provides oversight of marketing, assessment, enrollment and delivery of services
• Increases internal and external visibility of programs
• Evaluates program performance on a regular basis and provides course correction when necessary
• Works with Senior Managers and Sr. Director of the Department on strategic tasks such as preparing philanthropic proposals and preparing for DDS licensure and certification surveys
• Assist in developing and marketing JVS agency wide employer development and engagement strategy
• Focused on pursuing and achieving departmental outcome goals for career placements and Career upgrades 

Administrative/Communication

• 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 into relevant data tracking systems, is accurate and complete
• Develops and submits regular program performance reports to JVS leadership, funders, evaluators and other stakeholders
• Develops and updates program related forms and procedures on an ongoing basis
• Performs other duties as requested

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development or related field required
• 1-3 years of experience in working with individuals with barriers to employment desired
• Minimum of 2 years of program/contract management and supervisory experience desirable
• Flexibility with in-person services and local travel required
• Knowledge of virtual meeting platforms (i.e., MS Teams & Zoom) preferred
• Fluency in Spanish language highly preferred
• Ability to analyze course outcomes and propose means to achieve desired outcomes, if appropriate
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills are required
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team is required
• Ability to work effectively with staff and clients from diverse cultural, socio-economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds is required
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a diverse group of clients at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated and effective presentation and facilitation skills are required
• Knowledge of community resources and web-based resources preferred
• A deep commitment to disability inclusion in the workforce required
• Knowledge of the disability rights movement and/or self-advocacy movements desired 

EDUCATION REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field required.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Promotes Agency Initiative

Building Relationships, Collaboration and  

 Teamwork 

Adapting to Change

Accountability and Results 

 Focused 

Communication Skills

Cultural Competency and Respect Planning/Organizing

JOB COMPETENCIES:

Program Development Program Oversight Managing Staff

Quality Improvement Leadership

MENTAL DEMANDS:                                                                       PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reading                                        Language                                          Sitting                                                       Attendance

Detailed work                                    Math                                             Speaking Listening 

Confidentiality                            Multiple concurrent tasks                     Lifting (occasional: up to 25 lbs)

Problem Solving External contacts Verbal and Written communication

WORKING CONDITIONS: Regular local travel, evening hours, and some weekend availability 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 on the basis of 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.