Employment Counselor

County of Alameda•Hayward, CA

About The Position

Under general direction, to manage and counsel clients and facilitate and monitor their progress toward self-sufficiency through employment programs that may include training activities; to conduct orientation and appraisals; to evaluate test results, determine eligibility, employment goals, appropriate components and support services; to negotiate client employment plans and make appropriate referrals; to lead workshops; to provide supportive casework to help participants overcome barriers to program participation; to liaise with service providers; and to do related work as required. This is a journey-level professional counseling classification that manages and counsels' clients through a systematic program designed to assist them in becoming self-sufficient. Clients are public assistance applicants or recipients. Positions of Employment Counselors are found in the Social Services Agency. Employment Counselors are distinguished from Vocational Services Specialists in that Employment Counselors determine public assistance, make referrals and manage clients’ progress through an employment program that may include training activities. They perform duties independently, use on-line computer systems, and provide goal-directed counseling and casework.

Requirements

EITHER I Experience : The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in the classification of Eligibility Services Technician III or an equivalent or higher-level social service classification in the Alameda County classified service.
OR II The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience in employment-related case management, employment counseling, or in providing employment-related services in a recognized public or private agency.
NOTE : Graduation from an accredited college or university with thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units in sociology, social psychology, vocational counseling, or a closely related social science field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience in patterns I or II above.
License : Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License is required.
NOTE : The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of an examination.
Knowledge of : Principles of counseling, motivation casework, and case management.
Education and employment requirements and labor market conditions.
County, State, and Federal laws governing employment, labor conditions, and public welfare.
Computer systems and applications.
Community service providers and resources.
Principles of eligibility determination.
Ability to : Provide effective individual and group employment counseling.
Apply principles of counseling, motivation, casework, and case management.
Interview and maintain effective working relations with and foster a supportive environment for participants.
Input and maintain all case record data via online computer system.
Interpret and apply complex regulations and procedures.
Acquire and apply program specific technical knowledge and knowledge of community resources.
Communicate in a clear and understandable manner, orally and in writing.
Analyze and evaluate individual situations, make independent and sound decisions, and take appropriate action.
Conduct group meetings.
Plan and organize.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate communicates in a professional and courteous manner
demonstrates compassion but is able to provide firm direction and guidance to culturally and economically diverse individuals seeking self-sufficiency.
The candidate can work in a team environment
collaborates effectively with culturally diverse co-workers, managers, and community groups to better serve Welfare to Work participants.
The candidate is organized
is able to meet deadlines and achieve required outcomes.
The candidate successfully maintains client files, and is proficient in using computers and windows based software to accurately enter data or case dictation into a computer.
Lastly, the candidate is able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and maintain quality work performance while under pressure or opposition.

Responsibilities

manage and counsel clients
facilitate and monitor their progress toward self-sufficiency through employment programs that may include training activities
conduct orientation and appraisals
evaluate test results
determine eligibility, employment goals, appropriate components and support services
negotiate client employment plans and make appropriate referrals
lead workshops
provide supportive casework to help participants overcome barriers to program participation
liaise with service providers

Benefits

Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
Vision or Vision Reimbursement
Share the Savings
Basic Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
County Allowance Credit
Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
Employee Assistance Program
Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)
12 paid holidays
Floating Holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Catastrophic Sick Leave
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits Program
Guaranteed Ride Home
Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
Child Care Resources
1 st United Services Credit Union