Spanish-Speaking Career Navigator, MassHire

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers, and to partner with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces.

JVS provides a broad range of services, including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforces.

Position Summary: JVS MassHire seeks a passionate, Spanish-speaking Career Navigator who is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrants, refugees, and individuals facing significant barriers. The ideal candidate will be flexible and adaptable, delivering innovative, customer-focused, and technology-driven career services through the MassHire Downtown Boston One-Stop Career Center. In this role, the Career Navigator will collaborate closely with the Career Center team to guide job seekers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, helping them develop essential skills, overcome obstacles, and secure meaningful employment. A strong sense of resilience, problem-solving ability, and a drive for continuous learning are key to success in this role.

Key responsibilities include providing personalized 1:1 career coaching, assisting with resume creation, identifying training options, directing clients to job opportunities, and working with partner agencies to integrate career services into their programs. This position is primarily on-site (3-4 days per week) at community partner locations in Boston.

Essential Job Functions

Key Qualifications and Attributes:

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Demonstrates the ability to pivot and adjust in dynamic environments, maintaining composure and effectiveness when facing challenges.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to develop creative solutions to overcome complex barriers faced by clients.
• Resilience and Persistence: Motivated to guide individuals with significant challenges, demonstrating relentless dedication and perseverance, even when results are slow or solutions are difficult to achieve.
• Mission-Driven: Passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those facing multiple barriers, and committed to making a meaningful impact in their lives.
• Continuous Learning: Eager to acquire new skills and knowledge to ensure tasks are completed effectively, with a strong commitment to personal and professional growth in pursuit of the team’s goals.

Career Coaching

• Conduct individualized job search coaching sessions for clients from diverse backgrounds facing significant employment barriers at community agency locations.
• Provide guidance on all aspects of the job search process, including career exploration, networking, resume and cover letter writing, LinkedIn optimization, interviewing, salary negotiation, and more.
• Assist clients in identifying and overcoming barriers to employment, providing strategies for success.
• Empower clients to clearly articulate their unique skills and value in the job market.
• Collaborate with clients to set clear, actionable goals for their job search and track progress.
• Accurately assess clients' needs and connect them with the appropriate resources and support.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records in the MOSES database and internal Excel spreadsheets.

Building Relationships, Collaboration, and Teamwork

• Charismatic and skilled at fostering strong relationships with clients, team members, employers, and community-based organizations, maintaining these connections over time.
• Actively support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS/MassHire, both within the agency and externally in the community.
• Collaborate as a vital member of the JVS and MassHire teams to deliver high-quality workforce development and employment services.
• Engage in a team environment, establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with key stakeholders, including participants, colleagues, partner organizations, and funders.

Accountability and Results Focused:

• Understand and apply knowledge of internet resources for job seekers.
• With the support of the Employer Engagement team, learn and apply knowledge of local and national labor market trends to assist job seekers to identify career opportunities.
• Participate in meetings and planning sessions with JVS MassHire staff to monitor services and implement strategies to improve performance and service delivery.
• Establish, track and meet program dashboard indicators using MOSES platform.
• Serve and refer customers in accordance with the requirements of One Stop Career Centers and ensure services are based on individual customer goals.
• Work effectively with program and administrative staff to ensure smooth referrals to appropriate services and employment opportunities.
• Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings and team initiatives.
• Provide assistance and support to other Career Center team members as needed.

Administrative/Communication:

• Understand and promote policies and best practices of Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center Charter
• As a public facing team member, demonstrates a professional demeanor with strong customer service skills
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in written form with compassion and professionalism
• Exercises discretion in handling confidential information
• Participates in meetings, in-service trainings, team-based projects and committees
• Communicates regularly with Supervisor to ensure smooth delivery of services
• Completes program summary reports for employers, funders, JVS leadership and other stakeholders
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate degree in related field with two-years’ experience and/or training in career counseling, case management, community-based programming, or counseling; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Experience in establishing/facilitating strong partnerships with external stakeholders
• High level of computer/technology proficiency including ability to maintain accurate records of services provided in state MOSES database
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills required
• Knowledge of MassHire Career Center system and regional employment trends is a plus
• Excellent communication skills (written, oral and online platforms)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population

Key Competencies:

• Accountability and Results focused
• Adapting to Change
• Building Relationships, Collaboration and Teamwork
• Cultural Competency and Respect
• Communication Skills
• Flexibility
• Taking Initiative
• Planning/Organizing
• Promotes Agency

Job Competencies:

• Customer relationship building and screening
• Training Provider relationship building
• Tracking program progress and reporting
• Collaboration across departments and agencies
• Multiple concurrent tasks

Mental Demands:

• Reading
• Language
• Detailed work
• Problem solving
• Confidentiality

Physical Demands:

• Sitting
• Speaking
• Attendance
• Listening

Working Conditions:

• Frequent meetings with clients and employers
• May be requested to work outside of scheduled hours as defined by the needs of the department
• Some travel by public transportation to training provider locations
• Will attend occasional off-site meetings with partner organizations in and around the greater Boston area

JVS Culture: JVS is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates and values employee differences and similarities. By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, JVS will better serve our local communities and continue to provide quality services.

JVS is an employment at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, JVS prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.