Job Readiness Manager

SUMMARY

The Job Readiness Manager will foster the personal and professional development of participants in the Center for Sustainable Careers (CSC) training program. This will involve providing mentorship through hands-on coaching through the various aspects of job training, with an emphasis on fairness and accountability. The Coach will also provide regular feedback to participants about their strengths and opportunities for growth, and report on progress to the Training Team. The Coach will work with participants throughout the classroom and on-the-job training (OJT) phases. This position will supervise the Assistant Instructor/Readiness Coach in accomplishing all of the above and collaborate with the Construction and Safety Instructor in coordinating the use of the Assistant Instructor/Readiness Coach’s time and training.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Participant Coaching and Mentoring

1. Manage coaching for each participant on their progress and next steps for earning industry credentials and meeting the overall program graduation standards. Ensure all participants are eligible for placement by the end of their time in the program.
2. Provide immediate coaching and feedback in response to real-time participant successes and challenges.
3. Oversee the delivery of regular written feedback and in-depth coaching with participants around areas of strength and opportunities for growth related to the job readiness graduation standards, and the illustration of patterns and progress around these areas.
4. Maintain and uphold program graduation standards, ensuring that all participants who are considered completers and eligible for industry placement services meet program requirements
5. Manage the process and systems for holding participants accountable for meeting program expectations, creating accommodations, implementing progressive disciplinary consequences, ensuring participants have the support they need to meet expectations.
6. Manage the schedule and implementation of participant random drug screens. Assistant with cohort Covid-19 testing as needed.

II. Gathering and Sharing Feedback with Staff and Instructors

1. Coordinate with staff to monitor participant progress toward job readiness and identify both accomplishments and barriers to success.
2. Manage the tracking and documentation of all aspects of participant performance related to the program’s graduation and OJT completion standards. This includes punctuality, attendance, quality and efficiency of work, time management, participation, initiative, technical skills, critical thinking, safety practices, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and receptiveness to feedback.
3. Gather and share information across all relevant staff members and instructors on each participant’s progress and next steps for meeting the job readiness program completion standards. This includes case managers, instructors, crew leaders, and placement team members.
4. Share relevant participant and instructor feedback with the Program Development Coordinator, and collaborate on analyzing the feedback and developing programmatic changes in response to it.
5. Update and teach outside instructors of any policy or procedure changes within the training program relevant to their instruction.
6. Manage the decision-making process for accountability, progressive discipline, graduation, and placement related decisions, working collaboratively with all relevant decision makers on the team.

III. Classroom and PPD Instruction

1. Oversee the delivery of daily morning workshops to program cohorts and OJT participants, with support from the Job Readiness Coaches.
2. Facilitate 2 - 4 hour workshops on personal and professional development topics as needed.
3. Manage additional academic support for participants who need it during the classroom portion of the program.
4. Co-facilitate cohort Orientations with the Associate Director of Training.
5. Provide relevant assistance to the Job Readiness team, including substitute instruction and additional classroom support.

IV. Staff Management

1. Supervise, lead, retain and continuously develop the skills and abilities of Assistant Instructor/Readiness Coach.
2. Identify and support career advancement plans, identifying internal and external opportunities for professional development.
3. Work with the staff members to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable.  Provide regular feedback and coaching.  
4. Create a strong team environment that fosters cooperation, interdependence, commitment, and the incorporation of lessons learned
5. Evaluate all aspects of team effectiveness and continuously improve program operations. Analyze data in order to identify areas for improvement.
6. Ensure all team members are well integrated into Civic Works and the Center for Sustainable Careers department.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Provides input to support the development, review, revision and implementation of internal policies and procedures.
2. Provides back-up supervision of classes.
3. Provides financial coaching to participant.
4. Support the planning and implementation of CSC graduations by ensuring trainees are able to attend on time, as well as making sure awards, certifications, and additional graduate resources can be provided on time.
5. Assist with the  management of CSC vehicles used by the job readiness team. This includes adhering to the Civic Works vehicle policy, ensuring required maintenance is completed, and adding fuel using the assigned gas card.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively increasing responsibility in coaching, instruction, or workforce development.
• Experience delivering individualized coaching and mentorship that supports goal attainment and professional growth.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects, coordinating across teams, and using data to improve program performance.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data entry systems; strong documentation and note-taking skills required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to deliver constructive feedback, facilitate group discussions, and write clearly and professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with a range of stakeholders, including participants, colleagues, and community partners.
• Ability to navigate sensitive situations using sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to anticipate challenges, generate creative responses, and follow through effectively.
• High level of personal accountability, with a consistent track record of achieving goals.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team.
• Valid driver’s license preferred to drive to offsite training locations and participant activities.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm, with occasional evenings or weekends as needed. There is occasional travel to offsite meetings.
• The position is a fully in-person position with work taking place at Civic Works’ office in Baltimore City.