Lead Vocational Counselor, Long Branch Thrives (ENOUGH Initiative)

Interfaith Works • Silver Spring, MD

23d • $57,000 - $67,500 • Onsite

About The Position

Interfaith Works is hiring 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, the role expands workforce development services for Long Branch residents. The counselor provides employment and career coaching, supports outreach and engagement, builds relationships with local employers and community partners, and serves as a workforce development subject matter expert within the collaborative. Strong knowledge of the Long Branch community and a commitment to community-based service delivery are important. Preference is given to candidates with demonstrated connections to the community.

The position focuses on individualized support, participant success and accountability throughout job search and career development. It is grant-funded and guaranteed for one year through September 30, 2027; continuation beyond that term depends on grant renewal and funding availability. Occasional travel throughout Montgomery County is required.

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.
• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds.

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 Long Branch 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 structured job searches, providing individualized vocational counseling, coaching, and skill-building.
• Support grant outcomes through participant engagement, job placements, employment retention, and workforce development results.
• Meet regularly with participants to monitor progress, reinforce accountability, adjust employment goals, and provide employment 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 job opportunities and hiring pathways.
• Provide job-readiness training and coaching, including resume development, interview preparation, workplace expectations, job-search strategies, and navigating the employment process.
• Develop expertise in workforce barriers affecting the communities served 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.
• Collaborate with case managers, community partners, employers, and service providers to coordinate support and participant 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 that advance workforce opportunities and program goals.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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