Cohort Coach in Holyoke, MA – Springfield, MA from Propel America, US

Propel America Cohort Coach

Locations:

Massachusetts: Western MA – Springfield/Holyoke
New Jersey: Newark, NJ and Camden, NJ/Philadelphia, PA
Louisiana: Baton Rouge, LA; Northeast LA – Lincoln/Ouachita; Northwest LA – Bossier/Caddo

About Propel

Our country’s education and workforce systems have been failing to support Americans from low income backgrounds, and it is hurting our young people, employers, and our economy alike. Despite progress in national high school graduation and college enrollment rates, college dropout rates are tragically high, with the average dropout burdened by significant debt. At the same time, many employers struggle to find and sustain entry-level talent, especially in mid-skill jobs requiring a postsecondary credential.

Propel believes a better system can exist–one that seamlessly connects education and employment. We do this by bringing together high schools, community colleges, and employers in a unified system of skill-building, job placement, and ongoing planning for young adults. Our model includes a “Core course” in or directly after high school, in which students determine their job pathway and begin to prepare for it through “Specialization” and job training. Propel then supports students in finding affordable training, pays a modest stipend, provides mentorship and support, and guarantees a job interview for any “Propel fellow” who successfully completes their training. This process empowers recent high school graduates with the skills, credentials, experiences, and social networks to attain a well-paying job within one year, with opportunities for advancement and higher education.

Responsibilities

Propel America Cohort Coaches provide essential coaching and mentoring to our fellows to help them navigate training and prepare for and obtain a job. Coaches serve as a “navigator,” helping students build a professional and peer network for support. Coaches report to regional staff in each region (Program Director or Executive Director, depending on region).

Coach fellows

• Coach 1-4 cohorts of 10-15 fellows (ages 18-24) through Bootcamp, Specialization, and/or job placement.
• Problem-solve with fellows to identify appropriate resources and supports to address challenges and ensure completion of the training program.
• Identify, investigate, and leverage local resources to address fellows’ needs through community organizations and experts.
• Build community virtually (and in person where possible) among fellows to motivate and build networks.
• Support students in completing all necessary enrollment requirements.

Facilitate programming

• Prepare and facilitate weekly Cohort sessions using Propel’s curriculum during the Specialization portion of programming.
• Contextualize curriculum to ensure it is relevant and culturally responsive to meet the needs of fellows including but not limited to: uplifting real world topics and lived experiences, collaborating with local community, and reflecting on one’s cultural lens in order to recognize and redress bias.
• Co-facilitate virtual Bootcamp including leading small group breakout sessions and providing individualized student support, screening and interviewing students, and supporting students with pre-work and technology set up.

Partner with Propel to ensure impact

• Track student progress toward job, enrollment, and certification requirements and share regular progress with Propel staff.
• Participate in training on the Propel program, technology and curriculum.
• Become familiar with the pathways offered by Propel and specific needs in those pathways.
• Attend regular meetings with Propel staff and training partners.
• Communicate with Propel staff regarding Fellow progress through regular check ins.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience as a teacher, counselor, career coach, or other relevant experience.
• Experience with or passion for supporting young people across diverse backgrounds to succeed in careers.
• Ability to build trusting connections and hold students to high expectations, with empathy.
• Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills, including active listening, compassion, and clear communication.
• Experience using relevant technology and/or strong interest in learning new technology including Zoom, Google Classroom or other LMS and Google suite.
• Ability to problem solve and work with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience or knowledge of Propel pathways preferred.

Expectations

• Before Bootcamp, screen and interview applicants to join Propel program (May 2021).
• During Bootcamp, co-facilitate Bootcamp sessions and coach students for up to 30-40 hours/week, including preparation and facilitation time. After Bootcamp, review applications and interview applicants for advancement to Specialization (June 2021).
• During Specialization, facilitate weekly virtual cohort sessions, review deliverables, follow-up and coach students for 30-40 hours/week (July 2021-December 2021).
• Attend onboarding and training sessions and weekly check ins with Propel staff and training partners (May 2021-December 2021).
• Collaborate with Propel staff as needed to customize curriculum, support logistics and operations of the program and address student needs (ongoing).

Compensation

This is a temporary position that will last for approximately a six month period beginning this spring (April or later), with an opportunity to extend in some regions. The compensation for this position will be between $30 and $36/hour depending on geographic location. Full and part-time positions are also available depending on geographic location. Propel will offer full time (30-40 hours per week) cohort coaches benefits.

Application Process

The application deadline for this position is January 31, 2021. After this date we do not guarantee review of submissions. Please apply by submitting a resume and cover letter that addresses your interest in the position and relevant experience here.

Together, we will build toward success for high school graduates as they chart their path forward.

Propel America is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We encourage candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.