REENTRY EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR

State of Arizona•Phoenix, AZ

41d

About The Position

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view 'Our DES' video. Come join the DES Team! 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 will be for reentry program and will focus on incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations. This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement. Must be willing and able to work in correctional facilities, parole/probation offices, community agencies, residential centers; and work outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

Requirements

Knowledge of Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies and transferable skills.
Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
Skill in customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
Skill in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
Skill in adapting to changing circumstances, staff and client's needs, and work with interruptions.
Proficiency 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.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Travel will be required for State business. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-2758.07.
Must complete all corrections designated training within 1 month of hire and remain current with all corrections required training.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years public contact or customer service work experience, employment counseling or recruitment.
Experience in a correctional facility.

Responsibilities

Case Management: 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.
Record Keeping: 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.
Customer Service: 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; and resolution of customer issues and complaints. Travel to locations within assigned area is required.
Attend training required by program assignment.

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
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance