Employment Counselor, Adult Services- Bloomington Office

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The role of the Employment Counselor is to build strong relationships and assist diverse individuals and families in their job search and career exploration. The Employment Counselor will commit to a strength based, person centered approach to serve individuals and achieve program outcome goals. Candidates with previous experience in roles that require coaching and developing others, establishing, and maintaining interpersonal relationships, developing objectives and strategies to achieve goals and evaluation of information to determine compliance with standards such as teaching, human resources or training. This position is eligible for hybrid schedule after initial training. 

POSTION REQUIREMENTS

• One - three years’ relevant experience. Education may substitute for experience
• Desire to work effectively with persons of all cultures, economic and educational backgrounds
• Assess and evaluate participant’s physical, social, vocational, educational and employment situation to determine participant strengths and identify barriers
• Conduct one on one career exploration and assessments with participants and incorporate results in goal setting and development of employment plan
• Assist in coordinating internal and external resources and support services by consulting with service providers, that may include health-related services, services for children, financial assistance, advocacy, and legal resources, education, work related needs and housing
• Maintain compliance with program contract requirements and program policies.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and adhere to Data Privacy laws
• Complete data entry per program requirements including but not limited to all functions in WorkforceOne electronic participant files and regular and ongoing case noting
• Facilitate Work Readiness Training
• Identify appropriate training resources for participants
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in an organized and effective manner. 
• Skill in counseling/coaching techniques to assist individuals to set and attain employment and training goals.
• Able to prioritize and organize workflow to achieve efficiency. 
• Computer proficiency preferred or must have the ability to learn (examples: Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases).
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Enrollment/Assessment

• Conduct or assist in conducting group or one-on-one program information/overviews for potential participants.
• Assess and evaluate participant’s physical, social, vocational, educational and employment situation to determine participant strengths and identify barriers.
• Conduct one on one career exploration and assessments with participants and incorporate results in goal setting and development of employment plan.
•  Administer appropriate assessment and screening tools per program requirements or guidelines.

Case Management 

• In collaboration with participant, develop an appropriate plan with specific timelines and measurable goals.
• Provide ongoing coaching and employment counseling.
• Discuss and educate participant on labor market demands and trends.
• Discuss career pathways and make appropriate referrals based on participant interest.
• Assist in coordinating internal and external resources and support services by consulting with service providers, that may include health-related services, services for children, financial assistance, advocacy, and legal resources, education, work related needs and housing.
• Collaborate and follow through with other employment service providers, County business partners, businesses, community agencies, and educational institutions on behalf of participants.

File Management/Reporting 

• Monitor and report on participant progress. 
• Maintain electronic case files and case file documentation including uploading all required documents in EDS. 
• Maintain compliance with program contract requirements and program policies. 
• Maintain participant confidentiality and adhere to Data Privacy laws.
• Complete data entry per program requirements including but not limited to all functions in WorkforceOne electronic participant files and regular and ongoing case noting. 
• Respond to requests for report and case file reconciliation in a timely manner and take appropriate action

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

• Facilitate Work Readiness Training
• Identify appropriate training resources for participants
• Keep abreast of county, state and federal program policies, maintain high level of skill and expertise through professional development and continuing education.
• Collaborate with other agencies for program activities.
• Maintain awareness of current labor market information.
• Meet all program goals as outlined in contract.
• Fulfill obligation as mandated reporter.