The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

We are currently seeking a Career Coach at Career Connect Downtown in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Assist with planning and operations of KRESA Career Connect’s MyCITY youth summer career pathway planning program which provides job training and career readiness skills to youth ages 14-24
Support application review, participant communication and enrollment, participant orientations and other pre-program activities
Provide educational and career planning services to participants; this will include a focus on essential skills training and project-based learning
Facilitate predetermined skills training and career development lesson content to groups of 20-25 young adults
Provide support to participant interns and internship sites around the Kalamazoo community, including coaching, and problem solving
Recognize and manage behaviors in group settings, provide immediate guidance, constructive feedback and disciplinary action with support of MyCITY staff as needed
Report accurate timekeeping and evaluations for program participants
Make frequent one-on-one contact with participants, and parents/guardians as needed, to support youth through constructive coaching conversations and referrals to community resources and other Career Connect programs
Organize and participate in chaperoning groups of youth during partner activities, talent tours, job shadows and/or special events
Provide back-up to other staff as needed; other duties as assigned

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma with 1-2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Skills:
• Experience working with young people, employment and training programs, and/or customer service
• Teaching and/or coaching experience, a plus
• Background working with young people who have diverse abilities; ability to provide appropriate support based on a participant’s individual needs
• Ability to effectively employ multicultural approaches in resolving problems
• An understanding of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)

This is a Summary-temporary position in job grade 15 with an hourly rate of $24.28. This position is approximately 25 hours per week, June-August.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.

Career Coach, Summer Opportunity