Specialist, WCD Peer Navigator Programs

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One to two years of experience in case management, career counseling, workforce development, social services, peer navigation, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with later-life employment, career transitions, benefits, workforce services, or related challenges is strongly valued; experience serving adults age 55 and older is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build trust with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with local workforce systems, community resources, benefits programs, training options, and services for older adults preferred.
• Ability to protect confidential information, maintain detailed records, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Windows applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams, as well as online job-search platforms and case-management or database systems.
• Ability to interpret procedures, regulations, reports, and business correspondence; prepare reports and case documentation; communicate information clearly; perform basic arithmetic; interpret data; exercise sound judgment; and solve routine problems within established guidelines.
• Bilingual English and Spanish or another language commonly spoken in Los Angeles preferred.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, flexibility, initiative, and commitment to our values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
• Must complete required organizational, funder, safety, privacy, and program training within established timelines and participate in relevant professional development and credentialing.
• When driving is an essential job function, a valid California drivers license, state-required auto insurance, and an acceptable DMV record are required.
• Pre-employment screening includes a drug screen, background check, employment verification, Live Scan, professional reference check, motor vehicle record check, and LEIE check.

Responsibilities:

• Build trusting relationships with participants age 55 and older through individualized guidance, coaching, culturally responsive support, and encouragement of engagement and self-advocacy.
• Assess participants skills, goals, interests, training needs, barriers, and support needs; create individualized employment plans and connect participants to suitable services.
• Complete participant intake and enrollment, collect required documentation, confirm eligibility, explain program expectations, and support onboarding.
• Help participants explore careers and labor-market information and prepare for job searches, resumes, applications, interviews, digital tasks, and age-friendly employment strategies.
• Deliver job-readiness instruction through workshops, classes, small groups, peer-support circles, and individual coaching on job search, resumes, interviewing, workplace professionalism, communication, and employment readiness.
• Provide ongoing case management, follow-up, progress monitoring, case conferencing, and barrier resolution to support training, credentials, employment, retention, and advancement.
• Make warm referrals to internal and community services, including training, transportation, housing, healthcare, public benefits, financial education, legal assistance, and childcare.
• Coordinate participant referrals with the Employer Engagement team and support employer connections, interviews, and job placement.
• Maintain accurate, timely, secure, and confidential participant records, including case notes, files, employment plans, progress reports, schedules, timesheets, outcomes, and supporting documents.
• Record services and progress in CalJOBS and other required systems, and track participant goals, training, job readiness, employment engagement, placements, retention, and other outcomes.
• Coordinate training activities by preparing agreements, monitoring attendance and progress, collecting certificates and reports, resolving documentation issues, and processing billing materials.
• Explain and reinforce program, funding, organizational, and confidentiality rules while supporting participant accountability.
• Recruit and engage participants through hiring events, orientations, job fairs, workshops, community presentations, outreach calls, and other approved activities.
• Build collaborative relationships with employers, workforce staff, case managers, training providers, benefits organizations, community organizations, and referral partners.
• Facilitate peer groups and workshops for older workers on topics such as digital skills, benefits and resources, ageism, training pathways, and employer engagement.
• Help develop practical tools, resource guides, referral processes, and service-delivery practices for WorkSource Centers serving older adults.
• Conduct participant, employer, partner, and training satisfaction surveys; identify opportunities to improve services and contribute to quality-improvement efforts.
• Participate in program monitoring, staff meetings, audits, training, and quality-assurance activities to support compliance.
• Follow safety policies, report hazards or incidents promptly, maintain safe work practices, and perform other assigned duties and projects.

Technologies:

• Excel
• Support
• Windows

More

We are Goodwill Southern California, part of a leading nonprofit brand and one of the largest nonprofits in Southern California. This position supports the City of Los Angeles AdVantAGE LA Older Worker Peer Navigator initiative and is assigned to the applicable Los Angeles City Community Investment Department program year ending June 30, 2027. Assignment and continued employment depend on contract funding, operational needs, and program requirements. When the contract assignment ends or is terminated, Ambassadors return to their pre-program base rate of pay, plus any approved merit increases earned during the contract period, in line with our compensation policies. The position is based at a City of Los Angeles WorkSource Center and combines office, center, and field activities, with regular in-person contact with participants, colleagues, employers, and community partners. Travel within Los Angeles is required and travel may reach 25% within Southern California; occasional evening or weekend outreach and some schedule flexibility may be needed. The role may involve extended computer use and community events. It does not supervise employees, though it may include informal peer guidance and resource support for participants and staff. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics.

last updated 43 week of 2026