Employment Navigator
Position Description
Reports To: Site Supervisor and Program Manager
Service Position Summary: Minnesota Opportunity Corps members make a difference in the lives of individuals with multiple barriers to employment and economic self-sufficiency. As an Opportunity Navigator, you will help program participants one-on-one and in group settings set education and career goals, overcome barriers to goal success, increase their employability, find gainful employment/experience related to their field of study, and ultimately strengthen their financial stability.
Service Activities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
● Support participant in ongoing development of individualized education and career plan from interests and skills assessments with clear education and/or employment goals, while identifying barriers and their solutions.
● Track progress of plan and supports while facilitating advancement and educational/career progression.
● Link support services, education/training providers, career and industry information, and experiential opportunities, including internships, practicums, employment, etc.
● Liaison between participant and the systems being accessed and their components.
● Provide support and training one-to-one as well as small group settings as needed for success.
● Work collaboratively with “service team” members, such as education providers, social services, industry representatives, and employers.
● Attend required Global Career Development Facilitator training and other professional development activities throughout the year.
Communication
● Develop a relationship of respect and trust with the site supervisor and other site staff members.
● Communicate and interact with participants in a culturally appropriate way.
● Communicate effectively, consistently, and professionally with Minnesota Opportunity Corps staff.
● Fulfill program requirements and read and respond daily to email communications from Minnesota Opportunity Corps staff, Site Supervisor and site or community partner personnel.
Attendance
● Regular, timely attendance during business hours at the site (generally Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm).
● Commit to service for a full service term and serve the total amount of hours required.
● Attend all required Opportunity Corps training sessions throughout the service term.
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
● Attend service site-sponsored activities to represent Opportunity Corps.
● Support program participants in finding volunteer opportunities and connecting the experience to career and employment goals.
● Recruit and coordinate volunteers to support participants in their employment activities.
● Research prospective employers and identify the potential for matching them with program participants.
Community Need Addressed
Increased support and skill-building for adults with barriers in obtaining employment and accessing training, credentialing, and educational pathways.
Position Outcomes
Participants will obtain employment with a living wage, and complete their training, credentialing, and educational pathways.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
All Minnesota Opportunity Corps members participate in the internationally recognized, research based Global Career Development Facilitator training. This curriculum covers 12 core competencies of career development and provides members with the tools and resources necessary to help program participants effectively. Upon completion of the training, members my be eligible to apply for a credential (based on previous education and experience).
Skills you will gain
Knowledge and practice of the 12 Core Competencies of career development: Helping Skills, Labor Market Information and Resources, Assessment, Working with Diverse Populations, Ethical and Legal Issues, Career Development Models, Employability Skills, Training Clients and Peers, Program Management/Implementation, Promotion and Public Relations, Technology, Consultation.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Facilitate group planning
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others