Career Coach - Southwest

Kalamazoo, MI

Full Time

Experienced

Career Coach – Adult & Dislocated Worker Programs

Location: Southwest Michigan
Reports To: Director of Operations, SW
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Position Summary
The Career Coach serves as a frontline advocate and guide for adults navigating unemployment, underemployment, or career transition. This role blends strategic coaching, resource navigation, and partnership-building to empower participants toward meaningful employment, training, and educational outcomes. The Career Coach is a key contributor to program accountability, equity, and impact across Southwest Michigan.

Key Responsibilities
Participant Engagement & Coaching

Conduct intake assessments to identify career goals, barriers, and support needs.
Develop individualized employment and training plans aligned with participant aspirations and labor market trends.
Provide ongoing coaching, motivation, and accountability to support progress and retention.

Resource Navigation & Referral

Connect participants to training resources, employers, supportive services, and community resources.
Monitor progress and coordinate wraparound supports to address transportation, childcare, housing, and other barriers.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain accurate case notes, eligibility documentation, and performance data in accordance with WIOA and local policy.
Ensure timely updates and reporting to support program integrity and continuous improvement.

Partnership & Outreach

Collaborate with employers, educators, and service providers to expand opportunities for participants.
Represent the program at community events, job fairs, and partner meetings to promote services and build trust.

Continuous Learning & Equity

Stay informed on labor market trends, training opportunities, and best practices in adult learning and workforce development.
Uphold principles of cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and inclusive service delivery.

Core Competencies
Participant-Centered Coaching
Demonstrates empathy, active listening, and solution-focused strategies to empower individuals toward self-sufficiency and career advancement.
Cultural Competence & Equity
Provides inclusive, trauma-informed support and services that respect diverse backgrounds and reduce systemic barriers to employment.
Case Management & Organization
Effectively manages multiple participant files and services, ensuring accurate documentation, timely follow-ups, and compliance with WIOA standards.
Collaborative Partnership Building
Builds and sustains strong relationships with community partners, employers, educators, and service providers to expand participant opportunities.
Adaptability & Initiative
Responds proactively to changing participant needs, program priorities, and labor market conditions with creativity and accountability.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, workforce development, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
Demonstrated experience in coaching, case management, or adult education.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Familiarity with WIOA programs, career pathways, and local labor market dynamics a plus.
Commitment to equity, lifelong learning, and participant-centered service.

Work Environment

Hybrid work options may be available.
Conduct outreach and provide participant support through travel across Southwest Michigan, as required.
May be temporarily reassigned to alternate Service Centers based on program needs.
Occasional evening or weekend hours for events or participant needs.

Compensation: $48,000 - $53,000 salary with a competitive benefits package.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity:
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, Veteran, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.

Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: Is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting the unemployed or underemployed with the training and resources necessary to find gainful employment and transition Michigan to a cleaner, greener economy.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - EEOC 
MI AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply. 
Our JEDI commitment is reflected in our policies and practices across recruitment, compensation, professional development, and day-to-day workplace interactions. We strive to create an inclusive environment where: 

All individuals are treated with respect and dignity,

Diverse voices are welcomed and heard, and

Every employee is empowered to contribute meaningfully.

All staff are expected to embody inclusive conduct and complete annual diversity training. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and will be addressed in accordance with our organizational policies. 

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Please describe your experience working with adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or in career transition. What approaches have you found most effective in helping individuals achieve their employment or training goals?*

This position requires maintaining accurate documentation and managing multiple participant cases simultaneously. Can you share an example of how you’ve stayed organized and ensured compliance or data accuracy in a prior role?*

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Career Coach - Southwest

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