Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Job Access Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

A Job Access Coordinator is a pivotal connector, strategist, and advocate at the heart of workforce development. This role is dedicated to bridging the gap between individuals seeking meaningful employment and the opportunities available in the community. You're not just finding people jobs; you're building career pathways, dismantling barriers, and empowering clients to achieve long-term economic stability. This position requires a unique blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and a results-oriented mindset. You serve as a coach, a resource navigator, and a relationship builder, liaising between clients, internal programs, and external employers to create a holistic support system for career success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Case Manager or Social Worker
Program Assistant or Coordinator (in a non-profit setting)
HR Assistant or Recruiter

Advancement To:

Workforce Development Program Manager
Director of Client Services or Employment Programs
Corporate Partnerships Manager

Lateral Moves:

Career Counselor (in an educational setting)
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
Human Resources Generalist or Recruiter

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive, person-centered intake interviews to assess clients' skills, work history, educational background, interests, and existing barriers to employment.
Develop and co-create individualized employment plans (IEPs) with clients, setting clear, achievable short-term and long-term career goals.
Provide one-on-one career coaching and counseling, offering guidance on career exploration, skill development, and navigating workplace dynamics.
Lead resume and cover letter writing workshops, and provide individual assistance to craft professional, targeted application materials for each client.
Conduct mock interviews and deliver constructive feedback to help clients build confidence and master effective interviewing techniques.
Actively source and identify suitable job openings, apprenticeships, and training opportunities that align with client goals and qualifications.
Assist clients directly with the job application process, including online applications, submitting documents, and following up with employers.
Cultivate and maintain a robust network of relationships with local employers, recruiters, and HR managers to create a pipeline of job opportunities for clients.
Act as a liaison between clients and employers, advocating for client placements and providing support during the hiring and onboarding process.
Facilitate workshops and training sessions on essential soft skills, job readiness topics, financial literacy, and digital literacy.
Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation when clients face immediate personal or professional challenges that impact their employment journey.
Perform ongoing case management, regularly following up with placed clients and their employers to ensure job retention and address any post-placement issues.
Connect clients to a wide array of wraparound support services, such as transportation, childcare, housing assistance, mental health services, and legal aid.
Stay current on local labor market trends, in-demand industries, and regional economic development initiatives to best advise clients.
Advocate for clients with unique needs, such as those with disabilities, justice-involved backgrounds, or limited English proficiency, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.

Secondary Functions

Meticulously document all client interactions, progress notes, and outcomes in the organization's case management system (e.g., Salesforce, ETO).
Compile and analyze data to generate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on key performance indicators like placements, retention rates, and wage progression.
Collaborate with the program and leadership teams to evaluate service effectiveness and contribute to continuous program improvement.
Represent the organization at community events, job fairs, and networking functions to promote services and recruit both clients and employer partners.
Assist in the development of new program curriculum and workshop materials based on identified client needs and labor market demands.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Case Management Software: Proficiency in using CRM or case management databases (like Salesforce, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO), or similar platforms) for tracking client data and progress.
Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Word for resume creation, Excel for data tracking, and PowerPoint for workshop presentations.
Job Board Navigation: Expertise in leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and industry-specific job boards for effective job sourcing.
Resume and Cover Letter Writing: The ability to teach and model best practices for creating compelling and professional application documents.
Labor Market Information (LMI) Analysis: Ability to research and interpret data on employment trends, wage data, and in-demand skills.

Soft Skills

Empathetic Communication: The capacity to build rapport and trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds while communicating with clarity, compassion, and professionalism.
Motivational Interviewing: Skill in using a client-centered, collaborative communication style to encourage and empower individuals to make positive changes.
Resilience and Patience: The ability to remain positive and persistent when facing client setbacks or challenging situations.
Creative Problem-Solving: A knack for identifying innovative solutions to complex barriers to employment.
Relationship Building & Networking: A natural ability to connect with people and build a strong, professional network of employers and community partners.
High Emotional Intelligence: The ability to perceive, use, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others.
Cultural Competency: A deep respect for and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, and the ability to provide equitable and inclusive services.
Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to manage a large caseload, prioritize competing tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Advocacy: A strong voice and willingness to champion the needs and potential of your clients to employers and other stakeholders.
Active Listening: The skill to fully concentrate on, understand, respond to, and remember what clients and partners are saying.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree is typically the standard. An Associate's degree combined with significant, directly relevant experience may be considered.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Social Work (BSW/MSW)
Human Services
Psychology or Sociology
Human Resources
Public Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of professional experience in workforce development, case management, social services, recruiting, or a related field.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience working with and placing individuals who face significant barriers to employment (e.g., justice-involved individuals, new immigrants and refugees, individuals with disabilities, long-term unemployed, or those experiencing homelessness).
A proven track record of meeting or exceeding job placement and retention goals.
Existing relationships with employers and community organizations in the local area.