Career Navigator, Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)

Position Summary

Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) is a program that helps eligible people receiving Washington's Basic Food benefits build skills and prepare for employment. Through career planning, job search assistance, education, training, and connections to supportive services, BFET helps participants pursue employment and greater financial stability.

The BFET Career Navigator works directly with participants to understand their strengths, interests, and goals and develop an individualized employment plan. This includes helping participants explore career options, access training, prepare resumes and applications, and connect with employers. The Career Navigator also helps participants address challenges such as transportation, childcare, or access to technology that may affect their ability to participate in training or maintain employment.

Using a strengths-based, participant-centered, and culturally responsive approach, this position provides ongoing coaching, coordinates resources with YWCA colleagues and community partners, and maintains accurate records to support participant progress and meet program requirements.

Work Arrangement

This position works 100% onsite. Hybrid and remote work are not available. Travel to other YWCA sites and community locations may be required.

Position Responsibilities

Participant Support and Career Navigation

• Recruit and enroll eligible participants, complete assessments, and develop individualized employment plans based on participants' strengths, interests, and goals.
• Provide career coaching and practical assistance with resumes, interviews, job searches, online applications, and basic digital skills.
• Connect participants with education, vocational training, and employment opportunities that align with their goals.
• Help participants access transportation, childcare, housing resources, and other supports that address barriers to employment.
• Maintain regular contact with participants to support progress, job retention, and career advancement.

Partnerships and Outreach

• Build relationships with employers, training providers, WorkSource, and community organizations to expand participant opportunities.
• Coordinate referrals and services with YWCA colleagues and external partners.
• Participate in community events, job fairs, and partner meetings to recruit participants and share program resources.

Program Records and Accountability

• Verify eligibility and maintain timely, accurate, and confidential participant records in eJAS and other required systems.
• Document services, participant progress, reimbursements, and employment outcomes in accordance with program requirements.
• Support reporting, file reviews, and program monitoring by keeping documentation complete and addressing needed corrections.
• Participate in required training and team meetings, stay informed about BFET requirements, and contribute to improvements in participant services.
• Apply antiracism, trauma-informed practices, and respect for participant choice throughout daily work.

Qualifications

• At least (1) year of experience supporting people through employment services, community programs, education, housing, customer service, or a related setting. Relevant volunteer experience, community involvement, and transferable skills will be considered.
• A combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the role. A college degree is not required.
• Ability to build respectful, supportive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners.
• Understanding of barriers that may affect employment, such as poverty, racism, housing instability, limited access to childcare, or transportation challenges.
• Commitment to YWCA's mission and willingness to learn and apply antiracist, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed practices.
• Clear communication, listening, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to help participants identify goals and navigate resources.
• Ability to organize work, follow through on commitments, maintain accurate records, and protect confidential information.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and online applications, with the ability to learn required databases.
• Ability to travel between worksites and community locations as needed.

Helpful but not required

• Familiarity with BFET, eJAS, WorkSource, or King County employment and community resources.
• Experience helping others with job searches, resumes, applications, or access to community services.
• Experience working with communities of color or people experiencing economic or housing instability.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• All positions at YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish are exposed to clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. As a result, staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients.
• Regularly communicate with participants, colleagues, employers, and community partners.
• Use a computer and other office equipment to maintain records and provide services.
• Sit, stand, walk, and travel to community meetings, events, and partner locations.
• Lift and carry program materials, typically up to 5 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Occasionally bend, reach, or stand for extended periods during outreach activities and job fairs.
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