Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute→
Michigan Workforce Development Institute… at Michigan… · Lansing
Entry LevelHybridFull-timeLansing, MI$60k–$60k/yr
Job Description
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 Institute’s 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:
- Career Navigator – Region 1: Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Benton Harbor
- Career Navigator – Region 2: Jackson, Ypsilanti
- Career Navigator – Region 3: Lansing, Flint, Saginaw
- Career Navigators – Region 4 (two positions): Detroit Metro, Pontiac
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s 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.
- 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.
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.
Internal Qualifications & Eligibility
To be eligible for this internal transition, candidates must 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.
- Salary: $60,000.00 per year.
- Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with organizational matching/contributions.
- Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule.