Career Coach

$40,000 - $45,000/Yr

Eckerd Connects - Saint Petersburg, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Saint Petersburg, FL

Telecommunications

About the position

The Career Transition Specialist at the Pinellas County Job Corps Center is a full-time, salaried, exempt position that plays a crucial role in guiding young individuals through their career transition journey. This position is responsible for assisting Career Transition Services (CTS) assignees in various aspects of their job search, placement, and retention. The specialist will work closely with students preparing to exit the center, providing them with essential job search techniques and ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce. The role involves maintaining a caseload of active assignee files, conducting interviews, and documenting all actions in CTS case notes to track progress and provide necessary support. In addition to direct student interaction, the Career Transition Specialist will collaborate with center staff to plan and execute job fairs and career days, ensuring students are familiar with available opportunities. The specialist will also maintain linkages with external resources, including military services and job banks, to secure job leads and arrange interviews for students. A significant part of the role involves ensuring that all necessary documentation, such as licenses and certificates, is completed before students exit the program. The specialist will also identify support services needed for independent living and make referrals to appropriate agencies. The position requires a commitment to modeling and mentoring students in the eight Career Success Standards, which include workplace relations, information management, communication, multicultural awareness, personal growth, career planning, interpersonal skills, and independent living. The specialist will also be responsible for tracking individual performance, ensuring timely distribution of checks, and maintaining the confidentiality of all Personally Identifiable Information. Overall, the Career Transition Specialist is dedicated to preparing young people for successful careers by providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout their transition process.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with students preparing to exit the center and provide re-orientation focusing on job search techniques.
• Create and maintain a caseload of active assignee files, establishing a tickler system for caseload management.
• Maintain bi-weekly or monthly contact with assignees through telephone and/or in person and document all actions in CTS case notes.
• Attend meetings that involve Career Transition student/process issues.
• Visit classrooms and trade shops to familiarize students with CTS processes and employability skills.
• Provide workshops to exiting students and assist center staff with job fairs and career days.
• Maintain linkages with military services, One Stops, and other external resources; secure and post job leads.
• Perform job development by screening leads from various sources including newspapers and internet.
• Ensure all necessary licenses, certificates, and documents are completed prior to student's exit.
• Identify support services needed for independent living and make referrals to support services agencies.
• Participate in the students' Career Assessment Panel.
• Ensure timely distribution of assignee checks and inform them of payment processes.
• Meet regularly with center staff to facilitate contact and placement information for students pending placement.
• Ensure all Personally Identifiable Information is securely stored at all times.
• Initiate contact with former enrollee assignees prior to or soon after their exit from the center.
• Utilize data and the CTS system for informational resources and placement opportunities.
• Intensify contact frequency upon learning of a lost placement and present job offers to contacted students.
• Remind students of the importance of job search and job retention.
• Complete and submit data forms for processing for all identified placements.
• Track individual performance through regular checks of reports for correct information on all caseload students.
• Complete appeals process and verify placements to reconcile any errors in surveys.
• Provide additional assistance in meeting overall department placement goals as needed.
• Attend required staff training sessions and maintain accountability of staff, students, and property.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, counseling, education, social science, business, communications, or closely related field; or an Associate's degree in a related field with two years of related experience.
• Sound knowledge of case management, career counseling, employment counseling, and job search techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Good organizational skills and ability to inspire and motivate students.
• Valid driver's license in the state of employment with an acceptable driving record preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Job Corps experience preferred.