JMG Pathways Specialist

OUR ORGANIZATION:

Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.

THE TEAM:

The Michigan Works Team is made up of dedicated professionals whose role is to develop the local workforce and build a talent pipeline to meet current and future needs of employers in the area. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The JMG Pathways Specialist plays a critical role in supporting young people in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties as they explore career options, build essential skills, and navigate a successful path toward postsecondary education, training, or employment. Grounded in the principles of Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and aligned with workforce development programming, this position provides individualized coaching, career advising, and access to real-world experiences that empower youth to achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.

The JMG Pathways Specialist will work to align in-school and out-of-school services, ensuring youth receive consistent, high-quality support from middle school through graduation and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Youth Coaching and Career Development

• Provide individualized coaching and support to youth in Van Buren county, grounded in the core principles and curriculum of Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG)
• Guide youth in setting personal, academic, and career goals based on their strengths, interests, and labor market information
• Deliver JMG-aligned career readiness training, resume support, interview preparation, and life skills coaching
• Support youth in exploring high-demand career pathways and making informed decisions about their postsecondary education, training, or employment options

Pathway Access and Program Navigation

• Ensure youth understand and have access to workforce development programming and Michigan Works! services, including WIOA Youth, support services, and other available resources
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource and connector for youth workforce programs and services, including WIOA. Maintain up-to-date understanding of local, state, and federal policies, handbooks, and best practices to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Connect youth to traditional and non-traditional training opportunities, including apprenticeships, short-term credentials, and work-based learning experiences

Partnership and Collaboration

• Partner with schools, employers, training providers, and community organizations to expand youth access to career-connected opportunities
• Maintain and nurture referral relationships with service providers, educators, and mentors

Program Operations and Data Management

• Maintain accurate records, case notes, and documentation in alignment with JMG standards, federal, state, and local grant requirements and organizational performance expectations
• Conduct assessments, track progress, and follow up with youth to ensure continued engagement and goal attainment
• Participate in workshops, events, and community outreach to promote youth programming

Team Alignment and Strategic Support

• Collaborate with internal teams to align services with broader organizational strategies
• Partner with Kinexus Group teams, including policy, quality assurance, and data teams, to ensure youth programming is high-quality, compliant, and consistently implemented in alignment with JMG and statewide standards
• Support continuous improvement by actively implementing best practices, incorporating feedback from leadership and peers, and sharing insights from the field to enhance program quality and consistency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, workforce development, or related field; or equivalent combination of experience and training
• Experience working with at-risk or opportunity youth in a coaching, case management, or educational role
• Knowledge of positive youth development strategies and trauma-informed practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and relate to diverse youth populations
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data systems; ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Ability to travel across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth empowerment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with workforce development, WIOA Youth, or JMG programming
• Experience facilitating workshops, training sessions, or group activities
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

• Flexible and open office concept
• In-person position based out of the Paw Paw Michigan Works office; the regular schedule is Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and includes field work with Van Buren schools, community partners, and youth
• Frequent Travel within Van Buren with occasional travel across the tri-county region

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

• A supportive and mission-driven team
• Company and program onboarding and ongoing professional development
• Cross-functional collaboration and innovation
• Exceptional benefits and opportunities to grow

We have a unique culture that requires us to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE.   We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.   It is our goal to inspire positive economic change one person, one business and one community at a time. 

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.