Employment Navigator

Job description

Amity Foundation — Employment Services, HiRE Grant Program Los Angeles, CA Full-Time | On-Site | $22–$24/hour, depending on experience Amity Foundation is seeking an Employment Navigator to support justice-involved individuals participating in the HiRE Program as they prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. The Employment Navigator combines career coaching, case management, employer engagement, job development, and supportive services to help participants overcome barriers and move toward meaningful, sustainable employment. This is a highly relationship-driven role and you will serve as a career coach, advocate, mentor, and connector, helping participants build employment skills and navigate the challenges that can affect job success and retention. The ideal candidate believes in second chances, builds trust easily, and is passionate about helping people achieve greater economic stability and independence. **What You'll Do** **Participant Services & Career Development** - Conduct eligibility screening, intake, and enrollment, and develop individualized career pathways and employment plans based on each participant's strengths, interests, goals, and needs. - Build trusting relationships with participants and provide individualized career coaching, employment-readiness training, and support, including résumé development, interview preparation, and job-search strategies. - Connect participants with employment, vocational training, education, supportive services, and community resources to address barriers and strengthen their ability to succeed. - Monitor participant progress throughout the program, adjust service strategies as needed, and provide ongoing follow-up after placement to support job retention and career advancement. - Advocate for participants while encouraging self-advocacy, independence, and long-term career success. **Employer & Community Engagement** - Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community colleges, workforce agencies, training providers, and community-based organizations to expand employment, education, and training opportunities. - Conduct employer outreach and support hiring events, recruitment activities, employer presentations, and networking opportunities. - Match participants' skills, interests, and career goals with appropriate employment and training opportunities, and maintain communication with employers to support successful placements and retention. **Documentation, Data & Program Administration** - Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive participant records, including case notes, employment activities, referrals, supportive services, and required IDP elements. - Complete timely data entry into case management systems, such as Apricot, and other required reporting systems. The candidate should have the ability to capture data insights, track participant outcomes and employment milestones. - Support achievement of grant performance goals and contractual deliverables, and participate in required meetings, workshops, and training. **What We Are Looking For** **Required:** - Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Workforce Development, or a related field — OR - A High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience in case management, workforce development, employment services, vocational rehabilitation, or services to justice-involved populations. - Valid California driver's license and eligibility for Amity's vehicle insurance. **Preferred:** - Experience providing employment, workforce development, or vocational services. - Experience working with justice-involved individuals or other populations facing significant barriers to employment. - Experience providing career coaching, job development, or employment-readiness services, including facilitating workshops or group training. - Familiarity with electronic case management systems such as Apricot. - Offender Mentorship and Conflict Resolution Certification. **Skills & Abilities** This is a relationship-driven role that requires balancing coaching, employer engagement, and administration. Therefore, the candidate should have: - Ability to build trust and rapport with justice-involved individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Understanding of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, including how incarceration can affect behavior and employment outcomes. - Understanding of employment readiness, career development, job search strategies, and employer engagement. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across participants, employers, and colleagues. - Ability to develop collaborative relationships with employers, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and community organizations. - Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management and data systems. **Certifications & Conditions of Employment** - When offered the position, candidates will be required to complete First Aid and CPR certification, along with a physical examination and tuberculosis clearance, before confirmation. Amity can offer guidance to help candidates complete these requirements. - As a condition of employment, a job offer is not binding on Amity until Amity and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) obtain satisfactory results from a background investigation. **Employee Benefits** - Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance - Paid holidays and paid time off - 401(k) plan offered - Potential for one remote workday per week, based on program needs - Company-issued laptop and cell phone - Opportunities for professional development and training **ADA Information** **Physical & Mental Demands** This position requires the ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods; communicate effectively in person, in writing, and by phone; and use close, distance, and peripheral vision to complete daily tasks. The role also requires the ability to adapt to shifting priorities, work effectively in a dynamic environment, and maintain professionalism under pressure, including with difficult or challenging participants and colleagues. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. **Work Environment** Primarily an indoor office setting, with noise and temperature levels that are generally moderate but may vary. May include occasional local travel by vehicle. **About Amity Foundation** Amity Foundation is a safe and therapeutic community committed to helping individuals and families transform their lives. Founded in 1981, Amity supports people facing challenges including substance use, homelessness, trauma, and incarceration. We believe in the power of potential, second chances, and meaningful support. Our team works with passion, empathy, and respect to help people build healthier, more stable, and more productive lives. When you join Amity, you do more than fill a position. You help build community, restore hope, and create pathways to a better future.