Life & Career Coach
Job description
About the role
You will own the direct support of court-involved youth as they navigate education and employment pathways during residential treatment and community reintegration. You will design and deliver personalized coaching that builds career readiness and life skills while reinforcing resilience and independence. You will act as a compassionate mentor, guiding young people toward confident decision-making and sustainable growth. You will work in partnership with program staff, educational providers, and community stakeholders to create a coordinated support network. Your daily efforts will focus on helping youth set and achieve tangible goals that lead to meaningful employment and self-sufficiency. You will uphold an inclusive, strengths-based approach that respects every young person's background and potential. Your work will contribute directly to lasting change in the lives of youth and the stability of the communities they join.
Key facts
What you'll do
Coordinate individualized education and employment goal planning with each youth to track progress and adjust strategies.
Partner with school districts, vocational programs, and training providers to align learning opportunities with career interests.
Build and maintain relationships with community employers, internship programs, and enrichment organizations to expand pathways.
Develop and implement daily scheduling tools that help youth organize time, meet commitments, and reduce barriers.
Facilitate structured life skills groups that cover budgeting, nutrition, job readiness, and social-emotional regulation.
Guide youth through resume development, job applications, interview practice, and strategies for long-term employment retention.
Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions to explore personal values, set realistic goals, and build decision-making skills.
Support transition planning to independent living by connecting youth with housing, financial, and community resources.
Monitor and document participant progress using established tools to inform program reporting and continuous improvement.
Promote program engagement through outreach, encouragement, and collaboration with other service providers.
Champion a strengths-based mindset that recognizes small wins and reinforces motivation in challenging situations.
Serve as a reliable point of contact for youth, families, and partners to ensure consistent communication and support.
Contribute feedback to program leadership based on participant needs, emerging trends, and community opportunities.
Demonstrate professionalism and reliability by adhering to organizational policies, scheduling, and ethical standards.
Requirements
Hold a Bachelor's Degree in career counseling, human services, or a closely related field.
Bring a minimum of two years' experience in case management or vocational development with diverse populations.
Be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license.
Commit to a full-time schedule of 11am to 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with Sundays and Mondays off.
Work from the Worcester location with consistent availability during program hours as outlined in the schedule.
Meet all eligibility requirements for employment with Eliot, including background checks and reference verification.
Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all interactions with youth, families, and partners.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills necessary to manage multiple priorities.
Show cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with young people from varied backgrounds and experiences.
Commit to ongoing learning and participation in training, supervision, and professional development opportunities.
Reliably attend scheduled shifts and notify supervisors promptly regarding any changes in availability or scheduling needs.
Follow all organizational policies, safety protocols, and documentation procedures without exception.
Embrace the mission of Eliot to foster belonging, resilience, and empowerment through supportive relationships.
Nice to have
Preferred background in residential or transitional youth services related to justice-involved populations.
Experience coordinating internships, apprenticeships, or workforce development initiatives.
Familiarity with community resources that support housing, education, and mental health services.
Training in life skills curriculum delivery or group facilitation is beneficial.
Practical notes
Hours are fixed at 11am to 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
The role is based at the Worcester location.
No visa sponsorship is mentioned in the source information.
Deadlines for application submission are not specified in the provided source.