Career Coach

$40,000 - $40,000/Yr

Eckerd Connects - Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Pittsburgh, PA

Telecommunications

About the position

The Career Coach position at the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center is a full-time, salaried, exempt role that reports to the CPP and Counseling Services Manager. This position is pivotal in counseling students across various aspects of center life, focusing on personal and social development, vocational training, and educational guidance. The Career Coach is dedicated to preparing young individuals for the workforce by modeling, mentoring, and monitoring excellence in the eight Career Success Standards, which include workplace relations and ethics, information management, communications, multicultural awareness, personal growth and development, career and personal planning, interpersonal skills, and independent living. In this role, the Career Coach actively collaborates with all departments to meet the unique needs of each student. Continuous assessment and evaluation of students are essential, both formally and informally, to provide the necessary support for their educational and vocational journeys. The Career Coach documents student interactions, conducts reviews of educational and career development plans, and assists students in setting achievable goals while addressing personal issues that may impact their career readiness. The position also involves co-facilitating small group sessions focused on social skills and employability, participating in student orientation, and providing training to center staff on counseling techniques. The Career Coach is responsible for maintaining a safe and respectful environment, ensuring that all students feel secure and supported in their development. This role requires a commitment to fostering a positive climate free from harassment and intimidation, allowing both staff and students to thrive in their learning and working environment.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students in all aspects of center life, including personal and social development, vocational and educational training.
• Collaborate with all departments to meet the needs of each student.
• Continuously assess and evaluate students assigned to them on both formal and informal levels.
• Document a minimum of two monthly counseling sessions for minors and one for adult students.
• Conduct ESP and PCDP reviews, updating information as needed and documenting in accordance with established timeframes.
• Assist students in setting short and long-term goals and resolving personal issues affecting career readiness.
• Complete ongoing assignments from Counseling/OCT Supervisors and other program administrative personnel.
• Submit written reports and evaluations to outside agencies as needed.
• Participate in joint sessions with resident advisors and the Center Mental Health Consultant.
• Co-facilitate small group social skills sessions, including employability skills and career success standards.
• Collaborate with residential staff at least once monthly and adjust contact frequency as needed.
• Develop a close working relationship with the Center Mental Health Consultant.
• Participate in Career Management Team decisions and assess students' transitional support needs.
• Provide training to center staff on counseling techniques.
• Participate in student orientation and development of employability plans.
• Perform AWOL Retrieval tasks and manage student attendance and conduct issues.
• Serve as Counselor on Duty during weekends in a rotational order.
• Provide counseling-related assistance to all other staff functions within the center.
• Attend required staff training sessions and model appropriate CSS and employability skills.
• Maintain accountability of staff, students, and property, adhering to safety practices.
• Cultivate a climate free of harassment and intimidation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 15 semester hours in Social Sciences or a related area.
• One year of experience in a counseling capacity or related field.
• Job Corps experience preferred.
• Valid State driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to compose descriptive reports and implement program activities effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to intervene with students in crisis and manage aggressive behavior safely.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques and ability to relate effectively to the trainee population.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Proficiency in operating office equipment and maintaining effective working relationships.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with at-risk youth or in educational settings.
• Familiarity with community resources for student support.
• Training in crisis intervention techniques.