Thrive partners with willing and capable people to work toward the goal of economic self-sufficiency through employment. Job seekers who complete our multi-day Employment Stabilization Workshop (aka members) are paired with an Employment Coach. Coaches walk alongside members as they accomplish their professional goals and overcome barriers to gaining, maintaining, and advancing at work.  An employment coach exemplifies all the skills and recommendations taught throughout our workshop and supports members in a variety of personal and professional areas.

As a Christian, faith-based organization, volunteers must align with the mission and values of Thrive and reflect these values in their life. An ideal coach has the following experiences and attributes:

• Strong professional experience – consistent employment exemplifying the longevity of employment. Management/leadership experience a bonus but not required.
• Great listening skills – do not jump to offering advice but use open-ended questions to draw out the job seekers’ goals.
• Culturally appropriate and sensitive to a variety of life experiences including ex-offender, low-income, and recovering populations.
• Community engagement/human services experience desirable but not required.
• Knowledge of current workforce trends and job search recommendations.
• Passion for helping individuals become self-sufficient. Understands systemic barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Takes a coaching approach that is encouraging and supportive while also maintaining healthy boundaries. Focuses on the needs of the member, not on a personal agenda.
• Understands that coaching in not counseling.
• Persistence, flexibility, and empathy.

Volunteer duties:

• Build a trusting relationship with member that reflects the love of Christ.
• Pray for and encourage your member. Meet your member where they are with grace and truth.
• Arrange and attend regular (weekly) meetings with your member; assist the member in setting and reaching professional goals.
• Help members identify strengths, professional interests, and barriers to employment through open-ended questions, assessments, and other coaching tools.
• Provide constructive feedback on member’s resumes and cover letters.
• Aid your member in searching and applying for jobs and with interview preparation.
• Encourage your member. Help them rebuild their confidence and sense of self-worth.
• Keep member profile/activity/employment data up to date in Salesforce.
• Communicate consistently with the member, Thrive staff, and lead coach.
• Attend monthly coach meetings.
• Act as a role model of professionalism.

 Commitment:

• Commitment to this role is for one year after being paired with a member.
• All coaches are asked to attend a monthly coach meeting for connection and training.
• Once paired with a member: One hour per week in-person or virtual coaching meetings with the member. This will vary based on member’s need for support, employment status, and life circumstances.
• Regular electronic communication with the member as needed for additional job-search support.
• Meetings with job seekers are at a time and place that is agreeable to coach and member.