Career Planner

JOB AD

CAREER PLANNER

Are you an experienced case manager, recruiter, or employment specialist looking to channel your skills into meaningful work? Forward Careers, Inc. invites you to apply for our Career Planner position to help lead the federally funded N.E.X.T. (Nursing. Equity. eXpansion. Training.) program.

ABOUT N.E.X.T.

Forward Careers has been awarded a $2.4 million Nursing Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support training programs and to diversify the pipeline of nursing professionals while advancing equity and creating pathways for workers to fill these jobs and improve the nation’s healthcare system. The award is 1 of 25 grants that were issued nationally.

NEXT is designed to diversify and strengthen the nursing pipeline through:

• Occupational skills training


• On-the-job learning


• Paid work experiences


• Incumbent worker upskilling

Our goal? Support and advance 165 individuals into rewarding, middle-to-high-skill healthcare careers.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Engage colleges, community-based organizations, and marginalized populations through strategic outreach to connect eligible individuals with life-changing training opportunities under grant guidelines.


• Determine participant eligibility based on specific grant program requirements through application review and intake assessments.


• Assess client strengths and challenges, evaluate job readiness, and collaborate with participants to develop tailored career and training plans.


• Manage a caseload of 30–40 active clients, delivering workforce development services and monitoring progress through completion.


• Provide 1:1 coaching on resumes, interviewing, job search, and career navigation.


• Monitor and document participant progress across all stages - enrollment, supportive services, internships, on-the-job training, and final job placements.


• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, documentation, and records in multiple tracking systems.


• Support performance benchmarks and grant deliverables through strategic planning and follow-up services.


• Collaborate with partner agencies to ensure clients receive wraparound services.


• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies governing employment and training programs.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

*The above lists are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this position. They are not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Skills & Strengths

We’re seeking someone who brings:

• Strong data management and administrative skills, including spreadsheet proficiency and comfort with database systems.


• Demonstrated experience in case management, job placement, and community outreach.


• Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks, and stay highly organized in a fast-paced environment.


• Excellent documentation and case note practices to ensure data integrity and grant compliance.


• Cultural competence and the ability to work respectfully with diverse, underserved populations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social welfare, psychology, or a related field—or equivalent work experience.


• At least 1–2 years of experience in workforce development, case management, or a related human services field.


• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.

👉 If you meet most of these qualifications and bring a passion for helping others succeed, we encourage you to apply—even if you’re missing a few boxes.

ABOUT FORWARD CAREERS

Forward Careers is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with over 30 years of experience serving Southeast Wisconsin with a variety of job training programs and services to job seekers and businesses. Our workforce professionals specialize in providing high quality, effective and accessible career services to individuals seeking to improve their employment potential in demand-driven and high growth professions and to businesses, of any size and industry, seeking quality services to help attract, train, and retain the talent needed to succeed and grow. Our mission is to develop a thriving workforce and strong economy by being the preferred source for career exploration, education and skills training, and employment connections to every person and business.

WEBSITE

www.forwardcareers.org

POSITION DETAILS

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (occasional off-hours may apply)


• Primary Location: Waukesha; with travel across Southeast Wisconsin, as needed


• Wage Range: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour


• Benefits:
  
  
  
  • Health, Dental, Life, Short/Long-Term Disability
  
  
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  
  
  • Paid Time Off + 10 Paid Holidays
  
  
  • Summer Hours
  
  
  • Professional development opportunities
  
  
  
  


• Type: Full-time, grant-funded

EEO

Forward Careers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

If you have a disability and need information in an alternative format, including language assistance or translation, and/or need assistance with this information, please contact us at (262) 695-7880 or call through Wisconsin Relay Service 7-1-1.