Lead Vocational Counselor, Long Branch Thrives (ENOUGH Initiative)

Interfaith Works • Silver Spring, MD

21d • Onsite

About The Position

Interfaith Works is seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English or Amharic/English) Lead Vocational Counselor to support the Long Branch Thrives initiative through Maryland’s ENOUGH Full Implementation Grant. Based primarily at the Long Branch Community Hub in Silver Spring, Maryland, this role expands workforce development services for Long Branch residents through direct employment and career coaching, community outreach, employer engagement, and collaboration with partners. The counselor will serve as the initiative’s primary workforce development representative and subject matter expert, with a strong understanding of the community and its residents, resources, challenges, and opportunities. Occasional travel throughout Montgomery County is required.

The Vocational Services Program helps people transitioning out of homelessness and other low-income Montgomery County residents pursue economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment, while helping employers find qualified, dependable employees. The program emphasizes client success, accountability, and individualized support throughout job search and career development. This grant-funded position is guaranteed for one year through September 30, 2027; continuation beyond the initial term depends on grant renewal and funding availability. Preference is given to candidates with demonstrated connections to the Long Branch community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Fluency in Spanish and English or Amharic and English, with the ability to provide services in participants’ preferred language.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Teams.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and time-management skills.
• Experience developing resumes, cover letters, and other employment-related materials.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in workforce development, employment services, career coaching, case management, or related human services work.
• Experience working with immigrant, multilingual, and diverse communities.
• Experience using Dynamics 365 or similar case management databases.
• Strong knowledge of the Long Branch community, including its residents, cultures, community organizations, resources, and workforce development opportunities.
• Familiarity with the Montgomery County and DMV labor markets, including local industries, workforce trends, and employment resources.
• Lived, worked, volunteered, or otherwise demonstrated strong connections to the Long Branch community.

Responsibilities

• Manage a participant caseload and guide clients through a structured, targeted job search with individualized vocational counseling, coaching, and skill-building.
• Support grant outcomes through participant engagement, job placement activity, employment retention, and workforce development results.
• Meet regularly with participants to monitor progress, reinforce accountability, adjust employment goals, and provide retention support.
• Conduct vocational assessments and develop individualized employment plans addressing participants’ strengths, goals, and employment barriers.
• Build and maintain employer relationships through outreach, networking, and community engagement to identify opportunities and develop hiring pathways.
• Provide job-readiness training and coaching on resumes, interviews, workplace expectations, job search strategies, and navigating the employment process.
• Develop expertise in workforce barriers and help participants navigate employment systems, access opportunities, and advance along career pathways.
• Represent workforce development for Long Branch Thrives and participate in community meetings, partnerships, outreach, and collaborative activities.
• Coordinate with case managers, community partners, employers, and service providers to support participants and achieve successful outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, case records, outcome tracking, grant data, and reports using Dynamics 365 and other required systems.
• Identify ways to strengthen workforce programming, improve participant outcomes, and implement grant-funded initiatives.
• Represent Interfaith Works in the Long Branch community and build relationships with participants, employers, and community partners.

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays and 21 days of paid time off.
• For full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week: access to subsidized medical, dental, and vision costs for employees and their families.
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Option to purchase portable supplemental benefits, including short-term disability and critical illness insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost to all employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior