Job Title: Career Services Navigator
Department: OhioMeansJobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga County / WIOA
Reports To: Job Center Manager (Primary), and Career Services Manager
Location: Cuyahoga County
Union Status: Bargaining member of OPEIU Local 792
Salary Range: $41,000-$44,000
Position Summary
The Career Services Navigator facilitates career exploration workshops, including the Ikigai Career Exploration Workshop, to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and career goals while connecting them to workforce opportunities. This customer-focused role serves as a primary point of contact for OhioMeansJobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, providing career guidance, resource navigation, WIOA intake support, preliminary eligibility screening, and referrals to employment, education, training, and supportive services. The Career Services Navigator helps create a welcoming and seamless Job Center experience while supporting the mission of WIOA and OhioMeansJobs partner programs.
Responsibilities
Career Exploration & Workshop Facilitation
- Facilitate Job Center orientations, providing information about available programs, services, eligibility requirements, and partner resources.
- Facilitate Ikigai Career Exploration Workshops to assist participants in identifying their strengths, interests, values, and career goals through guided self-assessment and interactive activities.
- Foster an engaging, inclusive learning environment that encourages participation, self-reflection, and career planning.
- Prepare workshop materials, maintain attendance records, track customer engagement surveys, and document participant outcomes in accordance with program and grant requirements.
- Collaborate with Pathway Specialists, RESEA Specialist, Business Services staff, and partner agencies to ensure participants are connected to appropriate employment, training, and supportive service opportunities.
Customer Service
- Serve as the first point of contact for walk-in, phone, and online inquiries at the Job Center.
- Conduct initial needs assessments to determine appropriate services or referrals for each customer.
- Complete basic intake assessments for customers referred to WIOA programs.
- Review customer information to determine preliminary eligibility for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs by gathering and verifying required documentation, explaining eligibility requirements, and coordinating with program staff to facilitate enrollment and appropriate service delivery.
- Assist customers referred to WIOA programs with completing online applications and required documentation.
- Provide warm hand-offs to internal WIOA staff or partner agencies within the Job Center as needed.
Information & Referral Services
- Provide resource navigation and referrals to employment, education, training, housing, transportation, veteran services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, public assistance, and other supportive services.
- Assist with appointment scheduling, follow-up communications, and general customer inquiries.
Resource Center Support
- Monitor and support customer use of the Resource Center, including resume development software, job search platforms, career exploration tools, virtual interviewing resources, and online employment applications.
- Provide basic digital literacy assistance by helping customers navigate online systems, create and manage email accounts, upload documents, and utilize job search technologies.
Administrative Support
- Enter and maintain customer information in workforce management systems, including CFIS, ARIES, PCRecruiter, and other required databases.
- Ensure strict confidentiality by securely handling Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in accordance with organizational policies, state and federal regulations, and industry best practices.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by senior management or the Executive Director.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Workforce Development, Social Work, Education, or a related field preferred.
- Experience facilitating workshops, presentations, or group activities is required. Familiarity with career assessments, strengths-based coaching, or the Ikigai career exploration model is preferred.
- Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience in customer service, workforce development, human services, community outreach, case management, or front desk operations.
- Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, eligibility requirements, documentation standards, or workforce development systems is preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills with the ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, web-based applications, email, and online workforce systems, or the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
Working Conditions
- Primarily office-based within an OhioMeansJobs center with frequent interaction with customers, partner agencies, and the public.
- Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the Job Center while assisting customers and facilitating workshops.
- Standard business hours with occasional early morning, evening, or community outreach events as required.
Pay: $41,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
