Career Coaching Specialist

Position Description

The Career Coaching Specialist provides direct coaching support to individuals seeking employment and career advancement. This position plays a key role in connecting clients with career resources, helping them identify strengths, explore career pathways, prepare for job searches, set and achieve goals, and overcome barriers. This role strengthens Love Columbia’s capacity to coach clients toward long-term stability and upward mobility while maintaining a supportive, dignity-centered approach.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to careers@lovecolumbia.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About the Organization

Love Columbia is a nonprofit in Columbia, Missouri, working to transform our community with love by helping neighbors overcome barriers in finances, careers, housing, and overall wellbeing. We believe real change happens through relationships and by serving the whole person—materially, relationally, informationally, and spiritually. Inspired by the extravagant love and selfless service of Jesus, we welcome team members who share our heart for compassion, dignity, and hope. Together, we connect community relationships and resources so that every neighbor has the opportunity to flourish.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, human services, social work, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in career coaching, workforce development, or recruiting preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, relational, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Working knowledge of community resources and local labor markets preferred.
• Ability to engage confidently with employers, HR staff, and business leaders.
• Proficient computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with client databases (Salesforce preferred) and digital platforms.
• Sensitivity to cultural, social, and economic diversity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to Love Columbia’s mission and dignity-centered service model.

Essential Functions and Duties

Career Coaching

• Support clients in identifying goals and accessing available resources to help them move toward economic stability and advancement and overcome employment barriers.
• Assist clients in the job-search process, including assessment, career exploration, résumé and cover-letter creation, identifying job options, completing applications, preparing for interviews, and connecting to appropriate education or training opportunities.
• Guide clients in using Career Next Steps (CNS) tools and career pathways to explore upwardly mobile roles aligned with their skills and interests.
• Participate in career-related workshops or group education.
• Collaborate with community organizations, employers, and partner agencies to connect clients with relevant resources and opportunities.
• Provide clients with information and refer them to additional support programs or services as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports in compliance with program and grant requirements.
• Assist with case closure, ensuring all documentation and follow-up steps are completed, and conduct periodic follow-up to support outcome tracking.

These duties are representative, but not all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned.

Work Environment

This position includes a mix of office-based work and community-based activities, including meetings at program and partner sites. The employee may need to sit, stand, walk short distances, and travel between work locations. Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs may be required. Some evening or weekend hours may be needed to accommodate program scheduling. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Love Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background screening and reference checks.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• Career counseling: 2 years (Preferred)
• Recruiting: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person