Employment Counselor

Greater Lawrence Community Action Council•Lawrence, MA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Counselor provides services for job seekers to assist them in becoming job-ready. The Employment Counselor advises career center customers on such matters as job search methods and job interview processes; reviews and analyzes customer information through records, tests, and interviews; conducts counseling interviews with customers; describes, explains, and conducts assessments related to eligibility for specific programs, describes and explains procedures and benefits related to agency programs; delivers workshops and information sessions, maintains liaison with public and private organizations; compiles occupational, educational and other information; maintains timely and comprehensive customer information in the Massachusetts One-Stop Employment System (MOSES) database and performs related work as required. The primary purpose of this position is to provide services to individuals through the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program (RESEA). The U.S. Department of Labor funds RESEA to help unemployment insurance claimants return to work faster.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field with three (3) years of experience and/or training that includes career counseling, vocational testing/assessment, vocational referrals, employment services, or career development/transition; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be used as a substitute for the education requirement.
Strong career counseling and case management experience required.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) required.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of regional employment opportunities and workforce trends.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, including underserved communities and people from the different racial groups, socioeconomic statuses, nationalities, and languages that makeup clientele, to support the agency’s mission of building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization for employees and clients alike.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish is strongly preferred.
Previous experience in employment and training or human resources.
Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct career center seminars to provide information about the various services available to assist individuals with their job search.
Conduct RESEA reviews, which include intensive one-on-one career action planning, guidance, development, and job search reviews.
Provide information, support, and guidance to customers on job search methods and job interview processes, as well as identify solutions to barriers to employment to help job seekers become job ready.
Recommend specific actions to prepare customers for employment and/or training opportunities.
Conduct comprehensive assessments for each customer, analyzing their work history, transferable skills, educational background, interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personal characteristics. This includes evaluating labor market information and determining their marketability.
Collaborate with the job seeker and, based on the comprehensive assessment results, develop a career action plan that outlines services, including education and training, to help achieve the job seeker’s employment goals.
Participate in a team approach to determining the customer’s suitability for participation in programs such as WIOA, Trade, National Dislocated Worker Grants, and specialty-funded services.
Verify eligibility and ensure all documents/records are properly documented and compliant with federal and state regulations.
Oversee a complex and extensive caseload, maintaining ongoing customer contact to monitor progress in job search and/or training until the customer finds employment.
Conduct counseling interviews with job seekers, providing guidance and suggestions to help them achieve their occupational, educational, or vocational goals by agency policies and state and federal law.
Maintain and document all services and notes in the Massachusetts One-Stop Employment System (MOSES) database to ensure compliance and accurate monitoring.
Answer eligibility, procedures, and benefits inquiries, and provide information about agency programs and services to customers and other interested parties.
Liaise with public and private organizations, including WIOA partner organizations, to promote programs and services, exchange information, and develop the resources necessary to provide high-quality customer services.
Perform related duties as needed, including maintaining records, preparing reports, and attending meetings as required.
Participate in staff development and cross-training opportunities to expand functional skills and promote professional growth.