Career Advisor – Out-of-School Youth

About WSM

Work Source Montgomery, Inc. (WSM) is a nonprofit organization and fiduciary agent for Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act funding in Montgomery County. The non‑profit organization operates the American Job Centers in Wheaton and Germantown and provides employment services to county residents who are unemployed or underemployed. Additionally, WSM engages employers in various industries throughout the county to ensure that their workforce needs are being met.

The Career Advisor plays a key role in supporting Out‑of‑School Youth (OSY) as they build the skills, confidence, and stability needed to enter the workforce and achieve long‑term success. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about youth development, understands the unique needs and strengths of opportunity youth, and thrives in a small, collaborative team environment. The Career Advisor will guide participants through career exploration, job readiness training, and the transition into employment.

While a dedicated WEX Coordinator manages work experience placements, the Career Advisor ensures that each young person is prepared, supported, and positioned for success in both employment and education pathways.

• Work directly with Out‑of‑School Youth to reduce employment and education barriers through individualized coaching, training, and supportive services
• Facilitate soft skills training including resume writing, interviewing, communication skills and workplace professionalism.
• Assist clients in career exploration, using labor market information and other resources to facilitate successful employment or work experience placements.
• Develop and maintain Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) that reflect each participant's goals, strengths, and next steps toward employment or training.
• Develop and maintain Objective Assessments for each client to identify barriers.
• Assist clients in registration for Skill Up Montgomery and closely monitor progress.
• Mitigate employment and training barriers.
• Identify needs for supportive services and training – enter requests accurately and in a timely manner.
• Provide regular follow‑up support to ensure successful job retention.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and detailed case notes within the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE), maintaining compliance with WIOA documentation standards.
• Conduct routine MWE data‑quality reviews to confirm eligibility documentation, service entries, measurable skill gains, and outcomes are fully captured.
• Support participants with MWE registration, uploading required documents, and navigating the system.
• Completes all forms and documents associated with the above responsibilities accurately and on time.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Passion and desire for working with young people, assisting them with career goals.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by Out‑of‑School Youth, including those related to employment, education, housing, and personal stability.
• Strong commitment to youth development and a genuine desire to support young people in achieving their goals.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely within a small team and across departments.
• Ability to build trusting, professional relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort learning new digital tools and case‑management systems
• Strong communication skills, including facilitation, coaching, and conflict‑resolution abilities.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain organized, timely documentation.
• Experience working with populations with barriers

• Experience with youth or young adults in workforce development, case management, education, apprenticeship, counseling or social services preferred.
• Experience with WIOA‑funded programs is a preferred
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Education, Youth Development, or a related field preferred but not required. Equivalent experience in youth‑focused roles is strongly valued.
• Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of WSM…