Employment Counselor - Time Limited

State of Utah•Richfield, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Workforce Development Division at the Utah Department of Workforce Services is hiring an Employment Counselor I for its Employment Center in Richfield, Utah. The position provides services to case-managed customers, unemployed and underemployed job seekers, the general public, and their families. Counselors help people address barriers and build skills so they can obtain and maintain employment and pursue education leading to self-sufficiency. Barriers may include homelessness, mental or physical disabilities, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Services may be delivered individually or in groups, and some positions involve community outreach or customer home visits. Formal training is provided in assessments, work-readiness evaluations, motivational interviewing, labor-market information, employment planning, case management, program policies, and community resources. Counselors monitor customer progress and document services in the department’s online case-management software. The position may be filled as an Employment Counselor II for an internal applicant, depending on qualifications. This is a time-limited, full-time, on-site position in Richfield, Utah. The posting lists an hourly wage of $20.05 and states that the position is eligible for a full benefits package. A criminal history check is required.

Requirements

Empathy and compassion, with a desire to assist customers facing difficult situations.
Ability to communicate information clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
Strong customer-service skills and the ability to assist people with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism, without prejudice or bias.
Interpersonal skills, including active listening, building trusting relationships, mutual respect, and mindfulness of others.
Ability to balance program policies with compassion.
Ability to problem-solve and identify creative solutions that lead to successful outcomes.
Ability to maintain and manage sensitive and confidential information professionally and discreetly.
Ability to defuse and resolve complaints or conflicts with angry customers in crisis.
Successfully pass a criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in languages other than English may be preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide career, occupational, and educational counseling to help customers increase income and work toward self-sufficiency.
Assess customers and their families to identify barriers to employment, training, income, and self-sufficiency, and connect them with resources and support.
Use motivational interviewing techniques to conduct assessments and evaluations, gather information for goal planning, and create a supportive environment.
Develop employment plans and goals, identify activities that support work readiness and goal achievement, and monitor and evaluate customer progress.
Use labor-market information, local resources, community partner referrals, and employer connections to help customers meet their goals.
Assess customer needs and explain Department of Workforce Services programs, policies, and services, including access to temporary assistance such as food assistance, financial assistance, Medicaid, child care, and unemployment insurance.
Conduct home visits when needed to build rapport, problem-solve, and engage or reengage customers.
Help customers pursue employment through resume creation, networking, mock interviews, and technology-assisted job searching.
Ensure program compliance and appropriate use of public resources.
Apply program-specific policies and procedures, case-management techniques, career-counseling practices, and knowledge of department and community resources.
Provide employment-retention support and resources.
Document customer services and progress in the department’s online case-management software.
In some positions, conduct outreach to community partners.