Readiness Instructor

The Work Readiness Instructor plays a central role in advancing the goals of the Career Mobility Action Plan (Career MAP), an innovative workforce development initiative launched by the DC Department of Human Services (DHS). The Work Readiness Instructor is responsible for preparing participants for employment, career advancement, and long-term economic mobility through engaging instruction, individualized employment support, job search activities, and direct connections to employment opportunities.

Working primarily with families, the Work Readiness Instructor delivers high-quality employment preparation services that build the practical skills, confidence, and competencies participants need to successfully obtain, retain, and advance in employment. This includes facilitating work readiness and life skills instruction, coordinating independent job search activities, supporting hiring events, reviewing employment plans, and helping participants translate their career goals into measurable action.

The Work Readiness Instructor works closely with participants, Navigators, DHS Workforce Development Specialists, the Job Developer, employers, and other program partners to connect participants with quality, long-term, unsubsidized employment opportunities. The role extends beyond initial job placement, with an emphasis on employment retention, career progression, wage growth, and continued advancement throughout the participant's Career MAP journey.

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve life skills, work readiness, job search, and employment retention curriculum in collaboration with program staff and leadership.
• Plan and prepare instructional materials for classes and workshops using workbooks, handouts, presentations, digital resources, labor market information, and other relevant training materials.
• Facilitate engaging work readiness, life skills, job preparation, and employment-focused workshops using a variety of instructional methods designed to meet diverse learning styles and participant needs.
• Create stimulating, participant-centered learning environments that promote active participation, practical skill development, accountability, and continued motivation throughout the employment preparation process.
• Provide participants with assignments and hands-on activities that reinforce employment readiness competencies and allow participants to apply skills through a learn-by-doing approach.
• Track participant performance and progress through required tools, including Positions of Interest, Critical Competencies Forms, assignments, assessments, and other program-established measures.
• Adjust instructional strategies and training content based on participant performance, employer expectations, program outcomes, and identified skill gaps.

• Review participant service plans and employment goals to ensure work readiness activities and employment services align with each participant’s individualized career objectives.
• Coach participants through the employment preparation process, helping them develop the skills, confidence, professional behaviors, and strategies necessary to obtain and retain employment.
• Assist participants with identifying Positions of Interest and evaluating employment opportunities based on their skills, experience, career interests, advancement potential, and financial goals.
• Coordinate and supervise independent job search activities, providing structure, coaching, troubleshooting, and accountability throughout the job search process.
• Provide individualized employment support to participants who require additional assistance overcoming barriers to employment or…