EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER ADVISOR

State of careers Rhode Island • Woonsocket, RI

4d • $61,475 - $70,876

About The Position

The Employment and Career Advisor assists Rhode Island Works (RIW) program participants in developing vocational goals based on their skills, capabilities, and interests, and supports their progress toward employment through individualized employment plans. The advisor provides intake and assessment, testing, job-search assistance, referrals, placement, employment preparation, career enhancement, and follow-up services. They develop comprehensive plans for employable adults and refer participants to activities that lead to employment or improve employability.

The role includes evaluating participants’ employment potential, identifying barriers and strategies to address them, providing employment counseling, coordinating with employment and training vendors, monitoring participation and progress, maintaining accurate case notes and reports, and building relationships with employers and training providers. The advisor also connects participants with training, educational opportunities, and appropriate supportive services, and assists with childcare and transportation applications.

The position works under the general supervision of a superior, with completed work reviewed for compliance with regulations, policies, procedures, and standards. The advisor trains, guides, and/or directs technical and clerical staff assigned to assist. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for 35 hours per week. The individual hired will be employed at an E-Verify site; employment eligibility must be validated through E-Verify.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of placement, referral, and claims processing systems.
• Thorough knowledge of TANF statute.
• Familiarity with community resources, industries and businesses, occupational requirements, and employment conditions in Rhode Island.
• Ability to assess participants’ needs and to assess, refer, and evaluate RIW program participants.
• Ability to read and understand complex directives, policies, and related documents.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with employers, clients, and the public.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in basic computer software, specialized databases, and information systems.
• Graduation from a recognized college with a specialization in personnel, business, social sciences, or public administration, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
• At least two years of employment in personnel, business, public administration, or a closely related field, or substantially equivalent education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist RIW participants in developing vocational goals that reflect their skills, capabilities, and interests.
• Create and update individualized employment plans and manage participant progress toward their goals.
• Provide intake, assessment, testing, and pre-employment or job-readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
• Ensure RIW recipients comply with program requirements.
• Evaluate participants’ skills and employment potential and refer them to appropriate employment and training activities.
• Identify barriers to employment with participants and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Provide employment counseling to clients with employment- or training-related needs.
• Communicate with vendors to help ensure participants attend scheduled employment and training activities.
• Maintain comprehensive program plans and develop individualized plans for clients entering employment and training programs.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case notes documenting participants’ progress.
• Track employment activities, follow up with participants who miss planned activities, and contact participants monthly to monitor employment engagement.
• Update and complete individual plans according to established guidelines and deadlines.
• Establish and maintain relationships with employers, employment representatives, training providers, and related individuals and groups.
• Attend scheduled supervision meetings to discuss participant progress.
• Keep eligible RIW participants informed about employment and training opportunities.
• Conduct field visits to encourage employers to hire eligible RIW participants.
• Refer participants to training, educational opportunities, and appropriate supportive services, including mental health or domestic violence services.
• Maintain current information about employment and training opportunities available to RIW participants.
• Develop relationships with area employers and work with RIW vendors to identify suitable employment opportunities for participants.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of reporting requirements.
• Assist customers with childcare and transportation applications.
• Prepare and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly attendance records to monitor work participation activities.
• Train, guide, and/or direct technical and clerical staff assigned to assist.

Benefits

• State of Rhode Island employee benefits are available; details are provided through the Office of Employee Benefits.
• Employees hired after September 30, 2014 are required to participate in direct deposit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level