Education & Career Pathways Counselor

Job DetailsJob Location: APCH The Bridge - Los Angeles, CA 90011Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $24.00 - $29.00 Hourly 

A PLACE CALLED HOME (APCH)

Job Title: Education & Career Pathways Counselor

Department: Programs

Reports to: Education Career Pathways Head of Department

FLSA Status: Full-Time Non-Exempt                                                                                                                                  

Classification: Monday–Friday, 10:15 AM – 6:45 PM                       

About Us                                                                                                                                                                                   

A Place Called Home (APCH) is a dynamic nonprofit youth and community center located in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides a wide range of programs and services to support the growth and well-being of young people and their families, including educational programs, counseling, case management, mentoring, music, dance and visual arts classes, as well as fitness and health and wellness opportunities. As youth participate in our programs, they discover interests and talents and develop a better sense of themselves and their place in the world around them. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that youth will stay in school, attain viable jobs, and become active community members capable of making positive changes in the world in which they live.

Summary                                                                                                                                                                               

The Education & Career Pathways Counselor supports youth and young adults in developing and pursuing individualized academic, career, and post-secondary goals through mentoring, case management, and college and career readiness support. Working within APCH’s integrated Pathways model, the Education & Career Pathways Counselor helps members explore and prepare for a variety of post-secondary options including four-year colleges, community colleges, vocational and trade programs, workforce development opportunities, certifications, entrepreneurship, military service, and direct employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities                                                                                                                                   

The Education & Career Pathways Counselor provides individualized guidance, career exploration, goal-setting support, resource connection, and ongoing follow-up to help members successfully transition into post-secondary education, training, and career pathways. This role requires a highly relational, organized, and youth-centered professional committed to empowering young people and supporting their long-term success. 

Conduct outreach, intake, assessments, and goal-setting with program participants to identify their academic, career, post-secondary, and supportive service needs.


Build and maintain supportive relationships with youth and young adults through ongoing mentoring, case management, and individualized guidance;
Develop and monitor individualized member plans aligned with each member’s interests, strengths, and goals;
Support members with college and career readiness including applications, financial aid, resumes, interview preparation, workforce readiness, career exploration, certification programs and post-secondary planning;
Support members’ ongoing success in college, job training, certification programs, internships, employment, and other post-secondary pathways through continued coaching, progress monitoring, problem-solving, resource connection, and accountability support; 
Provide referrals and connections to educational programs, workforce opportunities, internships, mental health supports, social services, and community resources as appropriate;
Facilitate workshops, group activities, presentations, field trips, college visits, career exploration opportunities, and enrichment activities related to post-secondary readiness and youth development;
Collaborate with employers, community partners, and internal program teams to support member success and engagement;
Maintain accurate case notes, participation records, service documentation, and outcome tracking in organizational systems;
Support member engagement, retention, accountability, and follow-up to ensure progress toward academic, career, and post-secondary goals;
Provide crisis support, problem-solving, and member engagement interventions as needed;
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, professional development, and organizational activities;
Provide active supervision of members and program participants during structured and unstructured program time to support safety, positive engagement, and a welcoming youth-centered environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsThe ideal candidate is highly relational, organized, adaptable, and committed to supporting youth and young adults in achieving successful post-secondary and career outcomes. Candidates should have experience working with youth or young adults in areas such as youth development, mentoring, counseling, workforce development, education, college access, case management, or related fields.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills and be able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced youth development environment while maintaining a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach.

Technical and Performance Skills


Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills
Case management, mentoring, and goal-setting experience
Knowledge of college access, career readiness, workforce development, and post-secondary planning resources
Workshop facilitation and presentation skills
Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and community partners
Problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and crisis management skills
Ability to work effectively with diverse youth and families using a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach
Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and database systems
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of trauma-informed and positive youth development practices preferred
Ability to speak, write, and understand Spanish preferred


Education and Experience Requirements


Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience required
Experience in non-profit youth development sector


Physical and Mental Demands


Able to work in dynamic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center
Able to sit for long periods, some standing/walking
Continual use of hands for typing and clerical functions
Long periods of computer usage requiring good vision and focus 
Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally 
Able to occasionally work nights and weekends


A Place Called Home provides equal opportunities to all employees and independent contractors without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including but not limited to pregnancy), gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, physical and/or mental disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, A Place Called Home complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

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