EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR

Arizona Department of Administration • Prescott Valley, AZ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) strengthens individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence. DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employment Counselor with the Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of employment-related services to engage, advise, prepare, and match job seekers with Arizona businesses and enable job seekers to: get a job, maintain or strengthen current employment, or build a sustainable career. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions and will include client-facing, virtual/digital or telephonic means. Services provided may be for one or more programs within the Administration and may focus on specialized populations depending on assignment. This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement. Depending on population served, must be willing and able to work in places of client gathering; housing or farm locations; rural remote areas of the state; correctional facilities; and working outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

Requirements

• Knowledge in Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
• Knowledge in Interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies and transferable skills.
• Knowledge in Social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
• Skilled in Customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
• Skilled in Written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
• Skilled in Adapting to changing circumstances, staff and clients’ needs, and working with interruptions.
• Skilled in Proficiency in 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.
• Must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license.
• Must complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks.
• Must maintain acceptable driving records.
• Must complete all required driver training.
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED