Multi-Lingual Career Navigator, MassHire

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 workforces. MassHire Downtown Boston is operated by JVS Boston and is one of 21 MassHire One-Stop Career Center locations in the state of Massachusetts. 

Position Summary

JVS MassHire is seeking a dedicated, multi-lingual Career Navigator to deliver innovative, customer-focused, and technology-driven career services through the MassHire Downtown Boston Career Center. Fluency in Spanish is required, and proficiency in Haitian Creole or other languages is a plus. In this role, the Career Navigator will collaborate with the MassHire team to support job seekers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, helping them develop the skills needed to navigate the job search process and secure gainful employment.

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Provide personalized 1:1 career coaching
• Assist with resume creation
• Identify training and job opportunities
• lead educational webinars, workshops, or small group sessions 
• Work with partner agencies to integrate career services into their programs. 

This position is primarily on-site (3-4 days per week) at community partner locations in Boston and surrounding neighborhoods.

Essential Job Functions 

Key Qualifications and Attributes:

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Demonstrates the ability to pivot and adjust in dynamic environments, while maintaining composure and effectiveness when facing challenges.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement creative solutions to overcome complex barriers faced by clients.
• Resilience and Persistence: Motivated and takes the initiative to guide individuals with significant challenges and demonstrates relentless dedication and perseverance even when results are slow, or solutions are difficult to achieve.
• Mission-Driven: Passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those facing multiple barriers who are committed to making a meaningful impact in their lives.
• Continuous Learning: Eager to acquire new skills and knowledge to ensure tasks are completed effectively, with a strong commitment to personal and professional growth in pursuit of the team’s goals.

Career Coaching (90%)

• Conduct individualized job search coaching sessions for clients facing significant employment barriers at community agency locations.
• Provide guidance on all aspects of the job search process, including career exploration, networking, resume and cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, interviewing, negotiation, and more.
• Assist clients with overcoming barriers to employment and provide strategies for success.
• Empower clients to clearly articulate their unique skills and value in the job market.
• Collaborate with clients to set clear and actionable goals in their job search and track progress.
• Accurately assess clients' needs and connect them to the appropriate resources and support.
• Maintain accurate records in the MOSES database and internal Excel spreadsheets.

Webinar/Workshop Presentations (5%) 

• Co-lead educational webinars, workshops, or small group sessions to highlight important resources and information to help clients overcome barriers to employment. 
• Facilitate engaging workshops with expertise and professionalism, utilizing adult education methodologies and interactive facilitation techniques, whether conducted in-person or virtually. Leverage technology to maximize participant interaction and enhance learning outcomes. 

Resource Building Portfolio (5%) 

• Develop and maintain relationships with MHDB, JVS, and partner organizations to expand resources and opportunities for clients. 
• Assist in the translation of flyers, and other documents to communicate with partners and clients.

Building Relationships, Collaboration, and Teamwork

• Charismatic and skilled at fostering strong relationships with clients, team members, employers, and community-based organizations while maintaining these relationships over time.
• Actively support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS/MassHire, both within the agency and in the community.
• Collaborate as a vital member of the JVS and MassHire teams to deliver high-quality workforce development services.
• Engage in a team environment; establish and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders, including participants, colleagues, partner organizations, and funders.

Accountability and Results Focused:

• Understand and apply knowledge of internet resources for job seekers.
• With the support of the Employer Engagement team, learn and apply knowledge of local and national labor market trends to assist job seekers with identifying career opportunities.
• Participate in meetings / planning sessions with JVS MassHire staff to monitor services and implement strategies to improve performance and service delivery.
• Establish, track, and meet program dashboard indicators using MOSES platform.
• Serve and refer customers in accordance with the requirements of One-Stop Career Centers and ensure services are based on individual customer goals.
• Work effectively with staff to ensure appropriate referrals to services and employment opportunities.
• Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings and team initiatives.
• Display a willingness to assist Career Center team members as needed.

Administrative/Communication:

• Understand and implement policies and best practices contained in the Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center Charter.
• Demonstrate a professional demeanor with strong customer service skills.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form with compassion and professionalism.
• Exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Participate in meetings, in-service training, team-based projects and committees.
• Communicate regularly with the Supervisor to ensure smooth delivery of services.
• Complete program summary reports for employers, funders, JVS leadership and other stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate degree in related field with two years’ experience and/or training in career counseling, case management, community-based programming; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred).
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Experience in establishing/facilitating strong partnerships with external stakeholders.
• High level of computer/technology proficiency including ability to maintain accurate records of services provided in MOSES database as well as and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (written, oral and online platforms).
• Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population.
• Knowledge of MassHire Career Center system and regional employment trends is a plus.

KEY COMPETENCIES 

• Accountable, adaptable, and results-focused 
• Communication, collaboration, and teamwork 
• Customer service and external relations 
• Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting 
• Self-motivated and willing to learn and apply new skills 
• Planning and organizing 
• Cultural competency and respect  

MENTAL DEMANDS  

• Reading 
• Detailed Work 
• Problem Solving 
• Language 
• Confidentiality 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Sitting 
• Speaking 
• Attendance 
• Listening 

Working Conditions:

• Frequent meetings with clients and employers.
• May be requested to work outside of scheduled hours as defined by the needs of the department. 
• Weekly travel by public transportation to provider locations and community partners.
• Will attend off-site meetings with partner organizations in and around the greater Boston area.      

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.