Career Coach

POSITION TITLE: Career Coach

LOCATION: Knoxville, TN

STATUS: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

PROGRAM: Workforce Reintegration Program

REPORTS TO: Senior Program Manager

INTRODUCTION:

Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) is a nonprofit organization serving four states, dedicated to creating positive change through a ministry of service. We support families, veterans, and seniors with housing, provide care for individuals with developmental disabilities, promote restorative justice, and offer free HIV testing and education.

Since 1896, our mission has been carried forward by passionate, purpose-driven professionals. At VOA, we value flexibility, teamwork, and a supportive culture where employees can grow and

make a real impact.

About the Role

The Career Coach provides comprehensive workforce development and case management services to individuals participating in the VOA Work Program. This position is responsible for guiding participants through every stage of the employment process, from career planning to job placement, retention, and career advancement. Career Coaches work closely with employers, community partners, and internal staff to ensure participants receive the support and resources necessary to achieve long-term employment and self-sufficiency.

This position requires a compassionate, participant-centered approach while maintaining compliance with grant requirements, documentation standards, and organizational policies.

What You'll Need

Education

Bachelor''s degree in human services, Social Work, Business, Education, Workforce Development, Counseling, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Experience

Minimum one year of experience in workforce development, employment services, case management, vocational rehabilitation, behavioral health, recovery support, or related field preferred.

Experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment preferred.

Experience providing case management or career coaching preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Participant Recruitment & Enrollment

• Conduct outreach activities to recruit eligible participants.
• Develop individualized employment and service plans.
• Explain program expectations, participant responsibilities, and available services.

Career Development & Employment Services

• Provide individualized career coaching and employment counseling.
• Assist participants with career exploration and pathway planning.
• Help participants establish short-term and long-term employment goals.
• Conduct resume revisions.
• Assist with employment applications.
• Conduct mock interviews and interview preparation.
• Teach job search strategies and networking techniques.
• Assist participants with digital literacy and online employment resources.
• Provide ongoing coaching throughout employment.

Workforce Readiness

• Facilitate workforce readiness training.
• Ensure participants complete required workforce readiness curriculum.

Training & Education Coordination

• Monitor participant progress throughout training.
• Assist participants in overcoming barriers to successful completion.

Supportive Services

• Assess participant needs and coordinate supportive services including:
• Transportation assistance
• Interview clothing
• Work attire
• Work tools and equipment
• Hygiene products
• Identification assistance
• Childcare referrals
• Housing referrals
• Utility assistance referrals
• Food resources
• Community resource referrals
• Document all supportive services provided according to program requirements.

Employer Engagement

• Develop relationships with local employers.
• Identify employment opportunities.
• Match participants with available positions.
• Coordinate interviews.
• Advocate before employment is obtained and follow up with employers after placement.
• Promote the benefits of hiring program participants.
• Maintain positive employer relationships.

Job Placement & Retention

• Assist participants in obtaining competitive employment.
• Verify employment placements.
• Conduct regular employment retention follow-up.
• Address workplace concerns that may impact job retention.
• Provide coaching to support career advancement.
• Maintain contact with participants throughout required follow-up periods.

Case Management

• Maintain regular contact with assigned participants.
• Monitor progress toward employment goals.
• Update employment plans as needed.
• Coordinate services with community partners.
• Advocate for participants when appropriate.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete case notes within required organizational timelines.
• Maintain complete and accurate participant files.
• Enter participant information into required databases.
• Track participant outcomes and performance measures.
• Ensure documentation complies with grant requirements and VOA policies.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency standards.

Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain partnerships with: Employers
• Community agencies
• Government agencies
• Workforce partners
• Represent VOA professionally within the community.

Team Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Collaborate with Workforce Development Specialists and leadership.
• Share employment leads and community resources.
• Support team initiatives and program goals.
• Participate in quality assurance activities.
• Assist with special projects and outreach events.

BENEFITS:

Volunteers of America Mid-States, offers a rich and robust benefits package the supports a healthy work life balance, which include the following:

Health and Wellness

Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)

Health and Wellness Program

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Flexible Spending Account

Health Spending Account

Short Term Disability

MetLife Legal Plans

Financial Wellbeing

Competitive Compensation Packages

Life Insurance (company paid)

403b retirement plan with company fund matching

Employee discounts

• Loan forgiveness options through federal programs

(National Health Corp & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)

• All company paid benefits and paid time off effective day one

Work Culture

Commitment Committee

Justice Committee

Integrity Committee

Compassion Committee

Retention Committee

Training & Development

VOA LEAD Program- Leadership Development Program

VOA University - Staff Development

VOA Academy - Clinical Training and Development

We are an equal opportunity employer and 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.