REENTRY EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join their team as a Reentry 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. The goal is to 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 can be client-facing, virtual/digital, or telephonic. These services are specifically for reentry programs and will focus on incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations. This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement. The role requires willingness and ability to work in correctional facilities, parole/probation offices, community agencies, and residential centers, potentially outside of traditional 8-5 work hours. Travel will be required to prisons, residential reentry centers, and conferences for state business. Employees operating a motor vehicle on state business must possess and retain a current, valid driver’s license and meet all associated requirements.

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 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, Department of Corrections, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
Ability to Strictly adhere to Correctional department 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 in a correctional facility and react quickly in emergency situations.
Ability to Remain professional, calm, and adapt communication style with diverse customer needs or customers that are frustrated.
Must complete all corrections designated training within 1 month of hire and remain current with all corrections required training.
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).

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assess skills, abilities, work history, employment barriers and career interests, retention follow up; develop employment plans; determine eligibility for services; provide information on Labor Market, In-Demand industries, and occupations; and identify and coordinate 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; and resolution of customer issues and complaints. Travel to locations within assigned area is required.
Attend required trainings and meetings.

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