EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Tucson, AZ

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join their team as an Employment Counselor with the Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA). DES aims to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life, serving over 3 million Arizonans. The Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) focuses on bridging gaps to employment and independence. This position is responsible for providing a wide range of employment-related services to engage, advise, prepare, and match job seekers with Arizona businesses, helping them secure, maintain, or strengthen employment, or build a sustainable career. Services are delivered through one-on-one or group interactions, utilizing client-facing, virtual/digital, or telephonic means. The role may involve working with specialized populations and will require the use of a business methodology for continuous improvement. The position may require working in various locations such as client gathering places, housing or farm locations, rural remote areas, and correctional facilities, potentially outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

Requirements

Knowledge of Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies and transferable skills.
Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
Skill in customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
Skill in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
Skill in adapting to changing circumstances, staff and client’s needs, and work with interruptions.
Proficiency Microsoft Office, Google, data base systems, and computers, and technology-based platforms that interface directly with applicants and job seekers such as Google Meets, Zoom, and other video conferencing technologies to interview participants, elicit information, assess skills, knowledge, ability, work history and interest while maintaining client confidentiality.
Ability to learn & apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, to include Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
Ability to plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of diverse teams.
Ability to work with clients of diverse backgrounds.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Travel will be required for State business.
Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on State business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code [A.A.C.] R2-10-207.11).

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years public contact or customer service work experience, employment counseling or recruitment.
Depending on assignment: experience working with farmworkers, refugees, and veterans; service-connected disabled veteran with other than a dishonorable discharge.

Responsibilities

Perform outreach and case management functions such as: assessing skills, abilities, work history, employment barriers and career interests, retention follow up; developing employment plans; determine eligibility for services; providing information on Labor Market, In-Demand industries, and occupations; and identifying and coordinating with formal and informal resources to remove barriers, develop skills, and achieve certifications.
Use databases to register & refer job seekers; complete and maintain accurate records and reports for performance and reporting requirements in accordance with quality and quantity standards mandated by various laws, rules and federal regulations.
Provide customer service, program information to job seekers, colleagues, and the business community; maintain positive working relationships with local partners, community organizations and other agency personnel; resolution of customer issues and complaints; and utilization of veteran priority of service (VPOS) for veteran clients (as applicable).

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
Option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule
The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement.