Career Navigator at Woodlawn

Cincinnati, OH
Full Time
MISSION SERVICES
Experienced
Community & People Development
Community & Workforce Development
Mission Services
Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Cincinnati, Ohio 

Job Title:  Career Navigator
Employment Type:  Full-time
Salary:  Competitive, with a comprehensive benefits package

About Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing job training, employment placement, and support services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. With a focus on empowering individuals to achieve greater independence and inclusion in the community, Ohio Valley Goodwill has been serving the Greater Cincinnati area for over 100 years.

Job Description Summary:
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Career Navigator to join our team. This role involves providing comprehensive career guidance and support to participants. This will include conducting regular check-ins, utilizing assessment tools to identify strengths and weaknesses, and setting realistic career goals. The Career Navigator will also assist with job search strategies, including resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and networking. Additionally, they will provide guidance on training programs, financial aid, and enrollment processes. Post-placement support, such as job retention assistance and career advancement guidance, is also a critical component of this role.

Knowledge/Abilities
Experience in career counseling, coaching, or human resources. Strong understanding of job market trends and employer expectations. Proficient in using career assessment tools and job search platforms. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the unique needs of the target population - justice-involved, unemployed, and underemployed clients. Must be an effective communicator, critical thinker, and problem solver. Documented skill in areas of analyzing information, decision making, research skills, verbal communication, written communication, resolving conflict, workflow implementation, human relations, time management, and integrity. Ability to motivate others toward achieving goals.

Responsibilities:

Conduct Follow-up Career Assessments: Schedule regular check-ins:
  •   Establish a routine to stay connected with participants, whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or      monthly.
  •   Utilize assessment tools: Employ standardized career assessments to measure                    participants' interests, skills, and values.
  •   Conduct in-depth interviews: Engage in open-ended conversations to gain insights into         their career aspirations, challenges, and recent experiences.
  •   Review job search progress: Discuss their job search activities, including resume and          cover letter development, job applications, and interview preparation.
  •   Identify potential barriers: Address any obstacles that may be hindering their progress,        such as lack of transportation, childcare issues, or financial constraints.
Set Career Goals and Develop Job Search Strategies:
  • Collaborative goal setting: Work closely with participants to establish realistic and achievable career objectives.
  • Tailored job search plans: Create personalized strategies that consider their unique   strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.  
  •  Resume and cover letter development: Provide guidance on crafting effective resumes and cover letters that highlight relevant skills and experiences.
  •  Interview preparation: Conduct mock interviews to practice common interview questions   and provide feedback on their responses.
  •  Networking strategies: Offer advice on building professional relationships through online   platforms, industry events, and alumni networks.
Training Programs:
  • Opportunity Accelerator (OA) guidance: Assist participants in navigating the OA platform to explore various career pathway options.
  • Program selection: Help them identify training programs that align with their career goals and educational needs.
  • Financial aid and scholarship assistance: Provide information on available financial aid options   and help them complete applications.
  •  Enrollment support: Assist with the enrollment process, including paperwork and deadlines.  
  •  Academic advising: Offer ongoing support to ensure participants stay on track with their   coursework and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Organize Workshops:
  • Plan and schedule workshops focused on job readiness, soft skills, and industry-specific  training.
  •  Promote these workshops to participants using various communication channels.
  •  Gather participant feedback after each workshop to continuously improve content and         delivery.
Job Placement:
  • Job search assistance: Continuously provide job search resources, including job boards, online job portals, and industry-specific websites.
  •  Employer networking: Build relationships with local employers to identify potential job   openings.
  • Job referrals: Connect participants with relevant job opportunities based on their skills and   experience.
  •  Interview preparation: Offer additional support and guidance as needed, including mock   interviews and resume review. 
  •  Post-placement support: Provide ongoing support to ensure job retention and career   advancement, such as assistance with workplace challenges or professional development   opportunities.
Establish a Reporting Schedule:
  • Create a Reporting Calendar: Develop a calendar that outlines important reporting deadlines and milestones based on funder requirements and internal assessment schedules.
  • Gather Metrics: Regularly collect participation metrics such as attendance, engagement levels, and outcomes related to participant goals.
  • Compile Reports: Schedule time to compile comprehensive reports that detail program effectiveness, participant progress, and success stories.
  • Distribute Reports: Share reports with relevant stakeholders, including funders, program staff, and community partners to keep them informed of program successes and areas for improvement.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, vocational rehabilitation, or related field preferred.  Three to four years of relevant work experience and Career Navigator Certified through GII may be considered.
  •  At least 3 years of experience in supported employment or vocational rehabilitation.
  •  Strong leadership and team management skills
  •  Knowledge of local labor markets and job development strategies
  •  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  •  Familiarity with relevant regulations and standards in the field of supported employment.
Benefits:
Goodwill offers a competitive compensation package including:
  •  Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  •  Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
  •  Paid Vacation and Sick
  •  Paid Holidays
  •  403(b) with company match
  •  Employee Assistance Program
If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for workforce development and a proven ability to drive results, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us in our mission to empower individuals and transform lives through workforce development!

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment to apply. Should you be selected for an interview we will contact you to facilitate your participation in the interview process.

Please complete application and attach resume with detailed work experience. 
Incomplete applications will not be considered for the position.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran
  • A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
    • a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
    • a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
  • A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
  • An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
  • An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.
Veteran status


Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Please check one of the boxes below:

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Human Check*