Enter a job title or keyword

MIWDI Career Navigator

Michigan-AFL-CIO

Job Location:

Lansing, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 6 June 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 3 September 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

Career Navigator Job Description
Reports to: Statewide Program Supervisor
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: Statewide hybrid/in-person (regional focus)
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Effective Date: 2026
Position Overview
Career Navigators play a critical role in the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institutes apprenticeship readiness and workforce development programs. This position integrates recruitment case management career coaching placement support and retention services. Career Navigators conduct community outreach build regional partnerships recruit participants provide holistic support throughout training and assist graduates in securing and maintaining employment particularly union apprenticeship opportunities and skilled trades pathways.
Career Navigators maintain a statewide scope while having a primary regional focus as assigned:

West MI 1 Career Navigatormust be located in (Calhoun County)
Central MI 1 Career Navigator must be located in (Flint Saginaw Jackson Lansing Ypsilanti)
East MI 1 Career Navigator must be located in (Detroit and Pontiac)
Two Career Navigators will be located anywhere within the state of Michigan

All will serve the entire state regardless of where they are located. I dont want to define them as region specific positions but rather the candidates chosen must meet those criteria so we have field team spread across for more direct community work.

All positions support programming and special initiatives anywhere in Michigan as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment Outreach & Community Engagement

Conduct outreach recruitment and marketing for all apprenticeship readiness and workforce development programs statewide.
Develop and implement strategies to source attract screen and select high-quality candidates aligned with program expectations.
Build and maintain relationships with community organizations education partners union affiliates employers and referral partners to strengthen applicant pipelines.
Facilitate information sessions orientations and community presentations (virtual and in-person).
Collaborate with the communications team to support local marketing efforts.

Participant Assessment Case Management & Support Services

Conduct eligibility screenings comprehensive assessments and strengths/barriers evaluations using a holistic model.
Develop Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) and monitor progress regularly
Support instruction with job readiness training resume guidance mock interviews and soft skills development.
Support participants in reducing employment barriers by referring and connecting them to community resources (housing food transportation childcare etc.).
Maintain accurate participant documentation databases and reporting in accordance with deadlines.

Instructional & Program Support

Coordinate with instructors program coordinators and internal teams to ensure seamless participant experience from recruitment to employment.
Support delivery of training workshops and cohort activities including occasional evening or weekend sessions based on program needs.

Placement & Follow-Up

Connect program graduates to employment apprenticeship pre-apprenticeship or work-based learning opportunities.
Promote job-ready participants to employers unions and partner organizations.
Provide post-employment follow-up retention coaching and wage progression support for both participants and employers.
Track employment outcomes retention metrics and placement data.

Regional & Statewide Collaboration

Serve as the primary navigator for the assigned geographic region listed above.
Reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout the assigned region and statewide as needed for program delivery special events and outreach initiatives.
Contribute to statewide strategic recruitment planning labor market awareness and continuous program improvement.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in workforce development education/training programs social services or related fields.
Demonstrated success providing case management participant coaching or community-based services.
Experience with recruitment outreach or talent acquisition strategies strongly preferred.
Knowledge of labor market trends apprenticeship pathways and career development best practices.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations including low-income individuals and those facing employment barriers.
Strong organizational skills; ability to manage a dynamic workload and travel regularly.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present to groups and conduct one-on-one coaching.
Proficiency with databases spreadsheets digital communication platforms and documentation tools.

Core Competencies

Critical Thinking & Analysis Uses sound judgment to assess needs and develop effective employment plans.
Problem Solving Creates participant-centered solutions and adapts to changing factors.
Case Management Expertise Applies structured strengths-based strategies.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills Builds trusting relationships with participants employers and community stakeholders.
Community & Resource Navigation Leverages deep knowledge of community resources to reduce barriers.

Justice Equity Diversity & Inclusion EEOC
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers staff and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy age national origin disability veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. Women people of color LGBTQ individuals veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications & Eligibility
Preference is given to candidates who meet the following criteria:

Experience:Minimum of one (1) year of experience with the Apprenticeship Readiness program as a WDI employee.
Program Knowledge:Successful participation in an apprenticeship readiness cohort.
Performance:No disciplinary actions in your personnel record for the past one (1) year.
Logistics:Must have reliable transportation for regular regional and statewide travel.

Benefits & Compensation