About the Department
Knox County Job & Family Services' Workforce Development Division is seeking a Summer Job Coach to oversee the summer youth job readiness and employment activities for in-school youth, ages 14 to 18. The successful candidate will guide and assist program participants in developing appropriate work habits to be successful in unsubsidized employment; and assist program participants in preparation for successful employment leading to self-sufficiency as well as assisting participants in getting connected with local employers and/or educational programs.
Program dates are June 15 to July 24, 2026. This is a part-time contract position. The hourly pay is $22.00 per hour.
Knox County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Duties
- Under the direction of the Supervisor or Lead Job Coach, support youth participants in developing work readiness skills and successfully completing assigned job duties.
- Travel between assigned worksites daily to check in with youth participants, monitor progress, and provide on-site guidance.
- Maintain regular communication with worksite supervisors to understand business needs and coordinate appropriate work tasks for participants.
- Monitor and support youth participants to ensure adherence to program expectations, workplace rules, and safety standards.
- Provide coaching, encouragement, and constructive feedback to help youth improve workplace performance and professional behaviors.
- Collaborate with the Supervisor or Lead Job Coach to address challenges and implement improvement plans when participants struggle to meet expectations.
- Track participant attendance, review and approve time records, and report concerns or issues to program leadership.
- Assess youth participants’ development of employability skills and track progress toward the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal.
- Lead and participate in program activities including boot camp week, job readiness workshops, job skills activities, and industry tours.
- Assist participants with gathering required employment documentation as needed.
- Support participants in navigating the OhioMeansJobs.com website and other employment resources.
- Assist participants with coordinating transportation options, including public transportation, to and from worksites when necessary.
- Attend required program trainings and meetings.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience working with youth and young adults from at-risk populations. Ability to direct activities and re-direct behaviors. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License. Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Other Qualifications
I. JOB REQUIREMENTS
Equipment: Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as, but not limited to, various microcomputers and components, printers, scanners, digital cameras, video projectors, hubs, switches, and modems. Ability to competently utilize a wide variety of computer and networking tools, software, and hardware. Individual uses appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Critical Skills/Expertise:
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with youth participants, parents/guardians, employers, and agency staff.
- Demonstrates a professional appearance, attitude, and demeanor when representing the program and agency.
- Ability to provide clear direction and supervision to youth participants while maintaining a supportive, respectful approach.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work assignments.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and organize program documentation and paperwork.
- Proficiency in standard computer applications including Outlook, SharePoint, Word, and Excel.
- Ability to apply critical thinking and sound judgment when addressing participant needs, challenges, and workplace situations.
- Ability to gather and evaluate information, draw reasonable conclusions, and assist in problem-solving related to youth program participation.
- Knowledge of and ability to follow applicable federal, state, county, department, and workforce board policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Ability to work cooperatively and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, partners, and the public.
- Demonstrates reliability and regular, dependable attendance.
II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Work consisting of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized tasks requiring application of numerous laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Individual must be able to professionally address and work with potentially irate customers.
III. RESPONSIBILITY
Individual is given general direction from Supervisor in following established practices and clear-cut policies. Work is reviewed in the process. Errors are generally readily detected in normal course of work by standard checking resulting in little or no difficulty in loss of time to correct. Oversees non-county WEP workers to ensure work is completed accurately and timely.
IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS
Contact is with co-workers, employees from public and private sector organizations and the public.
V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of the position include standing for extended periods. Ability to oversee and supervise light physical labor work of program participants and may include painting, mulching, planting, walking, cleaning, etc. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
Physical Activity: The physical activity of the position is fingering, talking, hearing, listening, reaching, climbing, stooping, balancing, crouching, pushing, pulling, lifting and walking.
Visual Activity: The minimum visual activity of the seeing job is close to the eyes.
Job Location: The minimum work conditions for the position indicate that the individual is exposed to working both inside and outside in all types of weather. Individual may be exposed to hazardous conditions such as harmful cleaning agents, chemicals, dirt, dust and body fluids.