Career Planner-32 Hours/Week-Austin MN

At Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), we’re all about showing up as our authentic selves because we know that our diversity is our strength. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, and where we work together to make a meaningful impact in Southeast Minnesota. If you thrive in a supportive, innovative, and sometimes quirky environment, you might be a perfect fit here! Be sure to take a look at our core values and see if they align with what you’re looking for in a workplace. If you think you can see yourself making a difference as part of the WDI family, read on to learn more about the role below!

Company Culture is at Our Core
Our core values are more than just words; they're the foundation of our mission to develop and advance the workforce of Southeast Minnesota. We believe that a strong culture and a shared sense of purpose empower us to make a lasting impact. Do our values speak to you?

• Respect: Treat everyone in our diverse community—including job seekers, colleagues, and community partners—with dignity. We strive to build an inclusive environment where each person’s unique background and experiences are valued as we work together to create opportunities for all.
• Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and personal responsibility. We earn the trust of those we serve by maintaining confidentiality, offering transparent guidance, and being there to support clients and partners through every step of their workforce journey.
• Innovation: Embrace creativity and forward-thinking to improve the ways we connect people with opportunities. Whether developing new training programs or building partnerships with local businesses, we are always seeking new ways to help individuals reach their career potential and meet the evolving needs of our region's workforce.
• Education: Commit to continuous learning and growth—not only for ourselves but for the job seekers and employers we serve. We believe in the power of knowledge and skill-building, and we work hard to provide training that equips people for meaningful careers. As we learn, we share, because a rising tide lifts all boats.
• Community: We are more than just colleagues; we are a team united by our passion for making a difference. By working closely with local businesses, schools, and community organizations, we create a network of support that drives economic growth and makes Southeast Minnesota a great place to live, work, and thrive.

Company Perks: Quick Reference

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: WDI offers a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees with employer contributions.
• Mental Health Support: Access to resources and support for mental well-being, including employee assistance programs.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: Enjoy continuous professional development through training, mentorship programs, tuition reimbursement and tuition repayment programs.
• Generous Time Off: Paid time off options include vacation, holidays, and personal leave, allowing you to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Your first year at WDI will include 27 days off!
• Retirement Savings: WDI offers a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer contribution match to help you secure your future.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options make it easier to balance work with family commitments.
• Community Impact: Engage in meaningful work that positively impacts the local community, and enjoy opportunities to volunteer and give back.
• Team Spirit & Fun: Experience a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture with team-building activities and a supportive atmosphere.

Position Overview: The Career Planner/Navigator is dedicated to supporting individuals throughout their career planning journey. This role involves providing personalized guidance and assessments to identify each customer's strengths and barriers, helping them set realistic goals and create actionable plans. By offering tailored career advice, utilizing labor market information, and connecting clients to training opportunities, the Career Planner/Navigator ensures that participants can make informed decisions about their career paths. This role also involves collaborating with community partners to expand resources and opportunities, as well as maintaining accurate records of each client’s progress. Guided by WDI’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Education, and Community, the Career Planner/Navigator delivers services with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to each individual’s success.

Key Responsibilities

• Career Planning & Counseling: Develop individualized service plans that include training schedules or job search strategies, tailored to meet participants’ needs. Provide one-on-one career guidance to help clients overcome barriers and reach their career objectives.
• Teaching & Training: Facilitate classes and training sessions for job seekers, focusing on job readiness skills, such as resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategies. Support customers through organized job clubs and job coaching activities.
• Community Collaboration: Build relationships with local partners, employers, and educational institutions to create pathways for participant success. Coordinate with staff and community organizations to expand opportunities for clients.
• Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of participant activities, progress, and training outcomes using systems like WF1 and VPAC. Provide reports to leadership on participant successes and program impacts.
• Support Services: Assess participants' needs for support services, such as transportation or childcare, to ensure successful completion of training and employment plans. Authorize expenditures for support services as needed.
• Compliance & Confidentiality: Adhere to WDI policies, ensuring that all activities comply with program regulations and data privacy standards. Act as a mandated reporter to protect the safety and well-being of clients.
• Adaptability & Innovation: Stay updated with industry trends and local job markets. Engage in ongoing professional development to bring innovative solutions to career planning.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/experience required. Global Career Development Facilitator Certification must be obtained within one year of hire and will be funded by WDI.
• Experience: Proven ability in career counseling, workforce development, or human services. Experience in teaching or group instruction is preferred.
• Skills: Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Familiarity with data tracking systems is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with diverse and at-risk populations.
• Knowledge of local labor market trends and employment resources.
• Proficiency in case management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

While every day is different at WDI, here is what a typical day may include:

A Day in the Life of a Career Planner/Navigator

8:00 AM – Start the Day
You begin by reviewing the day's schedule, checking emails and voicemails, and preparing materials for your morning meetings with clients. You update records from yesterday’s appointments, ensuring all notes are accurate in the case management system.

8:30 AM – One-on-One Career Planning
Your first meeting is with a client looking to transition from retail to a more stable career path in healthcare. You discuss local training programs, help them refine their resume, and work together to identify job openings that match their new career goals.

9:15 AM – Follow-Up Meeting
Next, you meet with a client who recently completed a training program. You review their progress, celebrate their accomplishments, and assist them with submitting job applications to local employers. Together, you practice common interview questions to boost their confidence.

10:00 AM – Job Club Session
You host a small group job club session on interview skills, providing examples and engaging participants in role-playing exercises. During the session, you make note of clients who may need additional one-on-one support, scheduling follow-ups for later in the week.

11:00 AM – Individual Career Strategy Session
A client meets with you to discuss overcoming barriers to employment. They are struggling with transportation to job sites, so you connect them with local resources and arrange a transportation stipend through support services. You also discuss potential part-time roles that align with their current availability.

12:00 PM – Lunch Break
You take time to recharge with a quick lunch, using the opportunity to catch up with colleagues and discuss new community partnership opportunities.

1:00 PM – One-on-One Job Search Support
You have a meeting with a recent graduate who needs help tailoring their resume for entry-level positions. You work through their experience and skills, helping them understand how to align their application with job descriptions in their field of interest.

1:45 PM – Follow-Up with a Long-Term Client
You meet with a client who has been working with WDI for several months and is now close to landing a job. You review their progress, discuss their recent interviews, and offer tips for negotiating a job offer. You also explore additional training they may need as they transition into their new role.

2:30 PM – Data Entry & Reporting
You enter the day’s session details and participant progress into the data management system. You compile a short report for leadership, highlighting any new trends or feedback from your meetings.

3:00 PM – Business Specialist Meeting
You meet with a your offices Business Engagement Specialist to talk about a local manufacturing company interested in offering job placements for your clients. You discuss individuals on your case load that might be a good fit for the company and talk through subsidized work experience options.

3:45 PM – Wrap-Up One-on-One Sessions
You have a final one-on-one meeting with a client facing challenges in their current job search. Together, you brainstorm new strategies and resources to boost their efforts. You schedule a follow-up in two weeks to track progress and keep the momentum going.

4:30 PM – End of Day
With all tasks completed, you review your schedule for the following day, making sure all appointments are confirmed. You log off for the day, knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on the lives of job seekers in your community.

Salary Range: $40,000 to $43,000 annually

If you are interested in a dynamic work environment at an organization dedicated to helping job seekers and employers, please submit your resume and letter of interest to be received by 4:30pm on Friday, March 7th,to:

Jenna Overland

Workforce Development, Inc.

2070 College View Road East

Rochester, MN 55904

Or E-mail: hiring@wdimn.org

WDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Service Provider. WDI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or military status in any of its activities or operations. This information is available in alternative formats for people with disabilities by calling 507.292.5152 (voice) or by using your preferred relay service.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, MN 55912

Salary : $40,000 - $43,000