Career Counselor

Aleut Career•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Career Counselor reports to the CPP and Counseling Services Manager and counsels students in all aspects of center life, including personal and social development and vocational and educational training. The role supports young people in preparing for the workforce by modeling, mentoring, and monitoring the eight Career Success Standards: workplace relations and ethics; information management; communications; multicultural awareness; personal growth and development; career and personal planning; interpersonal skills; and independent living. The counselor works with students and center staff to assess student needs, support educational and career goals, address personal and conduct concerns, and plan transitions from school to work or further education. The role also includes documentation, student monitoring, referrals, group sessions, staff training, and center operational duties. The position requires interaction with students and staff, operation of office equipment, and the ability to work indoors and outdoors in varied temperatures and moderate noise. Aleut Federal, LLC provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits workplace harassment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, including 15 semester hours of social services-related instruction.
One year of experience in a counseling capacity or related field.
Valid state driver's license in the state of employment and an acceptable driving record.
Ability to compose descriptive reports and use appropriate techniques to implement program activities.
Ability to verbally direct individuals and groups and remedy dysfunctional behavior.
Ability to intervene with students in crisis using aggression-control and safe physical-management restraint techniques.
Must complete mandated training courses.
Sound knowledge of counseling techniques.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to relate effectively to the trainee population.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
Ability to operate office equipment.
Ability to interact with team members and maintain effective working relationships with facility staff and departments.
Ability to sit frequently and stand and walk occasionally; ability to see, hear, and speak.
Ability to spend 15% of work time outdoors and 85% indoors, tolerate moderate noise levels for 90% of work time, and work in high-temperature summer and low-temperature winter settings.

Nice To Haves

Job Corps experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate and abide by Aleut Core Values and operating principles.
Collaborate with other departments to meet each student's needs.
Continuously assess and evaluate assigned students through formal and informal methods.
Help students continue their education, enter additional training, and connect with community services to support successful transitions from school to work.
Document at least two monthly counseling contacts for minor students and one for adult students; encourage adult students to sign permission forms so the counselor can contact others on their behalf. Adjust contact frequency for probationary students or those needing additional support.
Conduct ESP and PCDP reviews, update information as needed, and document reviews within established PRH time frames.
Help students set short- and long-term goals, identify strengths and career challenges, and resolve personal issues affecting career readiness.
Complete assignments from Counseling/OCT Supervisors and other program administrative personnel.
Submit written student reports and evaluations to outside agencies and make referrals to mental health consultants, review boards, or at the Center Director's request.
Participate in joint sessions with resident advisors and the Center Mental Health Consultant.
Review student records and complete special needs requests for mental health or other specific counseling needs.
Co-facilitate small-group social skills sessions, including employability skills, career success standards, and Aleut Core Values.
Collaborate with residential staff at least monthly, with contact frequency adjusted as directed or circumstances require.
Develop a close working relationship with the Center Mental Health Consultant.
Participate in all phases of Career Management Team decisions.
Assess students' transitional support needs and develop strategies to address them.
Train center staff on related counseling techniques.
Participate in student orientation and develop employability plans for students.
Perform AWOL retrieval tasks; grant and verify leaves and passes in accordance with PRH and Center Director mandates; and enter relevant information in CIS.
Track and manage projection data, updating it weekly to ensure students are progressing as predicted in the shop.
Work with the Academic Manager to identify and resolve academic concerns.
Conduct intake interviews with new enrollees within 72 hours of onboarding.
Monitor assigned students' attendance in accordance with department protocols, address conduct issues, arrange staffing, and implement interventions for below-expected performance.
Serve as Counselor on Duty on weekends in a rotational order.
Provide counseling-related assistance to other center staff functions and attend required staff training.
Communicate and model appropriate CSS and employability skills, including personal responsibility and computer fluency.
Maintain accountability for staff, students, and property and follow safety practices.
Help maintain a center environment free from harassment, intimidation, and disrespect.
Perform other duties as assigned.