CAREER COUNSELOR (RESEA)

CAREER COUNSELOR (RESEA)

MASSHIRE CENTRAL CAREER

CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Career Counselor within its MassHire Central Career Center for the Executive Office of Economic Development. The Career Counselor, working as part of the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), evaluates individuals who face significant barriers to employment to determine their readiness and eligibility for various training programs and/or employment services. The position focuses on guiding clients toward opportunities that help them secure and sustain meaningful, gainful employment and long-term careers. Through ongoing case management, the Career Counselor guides job seekers in defining and developing their Career Action Plan, advises customers on such matters as job search methods and job interview process; review and analyze customer information through records, tests and interviews; conducts counseling interviews with customers; describe, explain or answer inquiries concerning eligibility, procedures and benefits related to agency programs; maintain liaison with public and private organizations; compile occupational, educational and other information; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to assist customers in determining and achieving individual vocational, educational and/or training goals. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

Conduct RESEA reviews which included intensive one-on-one career plan and job search review. Advise customers on such matters as job search methods, job interview process and/or dealing with social problems to motivate customers and to recommend specific courses of action to prepare customers for employment and/or training opportunities. Review and analyze customer information through records, tests, and interviews to appraise interests, aptitudes, abilities and personal characteristics, to determine eligibility for agency programs and services and to determine the most appropriate individual vocational, educational and/or training goals based on customer needs and available services. Conduct comprehensive assessment of each customer including utilizing labor market information and resume review to determine marketability and to develop a career action plan. Work with customers to identify training needs, participate in a team approach in determine the customers suitability for participation in WIOA and TRADE funded training programs. Oversee a complex and extensive case load which involves maintaining ongoing customer contact (minimum of 30 days) to determine progress of job search and/or training until the customer has found employment. Ability to conduct workshops and seminars when needed, such as Career Center Seminar, resume writing, interviewing etc. Maintain and document all services and notes in the Massachusetts One Stop Employment System database for monitoring review and compliance. Assist in the certification of eligibility for customers to enroll into WIOA, TRADE, National Emergency Grants and specialty funded services when needed. Verify all documents/records to ensure the justifications are properly contained for monitoring and compliance with the DOL regulation and Agency policies and procedures. Conduct counseling interviews with customers to guide them, to suggest approaches and to assist them in achieving occupational, educational, or vocational goals according to agency guidelines. Describe, explain, or answer inquiries concerning eligibility, procedures and benefits using agency guidelines to inform customers and other interested parties of agency programs and services. Maintain liaison with public and private organizations, including community organizations, to promote agency programs and services, to exchange information and to develop the resources necessary to provide customer services. Compile occupational, educational, and other pertinent information to assist customers in determining vocational and educational interests and goals Assist with computerized job search activities, including on-line application preparation, job search engines, researching employer websites, and exploring labor market information. Successfully create a positive atmosphere, and a safe space for open discussion for clients recovering from addictions and/or trauma. Actively support through task and attitude, the priority MassHire places on exceptional customer service for both internal and external customers. Perform other tasks as assigned by Direct Report and Career Center leadership.

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

Represent MassHire Central Career Centers (MHCCC) at community outreach events and collaborate with the MHCCC Business Engagement Solutions Team (BEST) on job fairs or other related activities. Cross trains across various career centers to provide back-up support, as needed. Support management, internal finance department, and agency oversight entities in conducting internal monitoring and quality assurance in accordance with WIOA policies, monitoring grant funding allotments and spending, and processing necessary paperwork to enroll trainees and submit payments to training programs. Administer and interpret various Career Center tests. Participate in continuous quality improvement efforts through staff meetings and training, as well as contributing best practices to the Operations Manager. Facilitate group presentations and workshops, as well as one‑on‑one services that focus on job search strategies and techniques and employment readiness. Assist participants with securing permanent unsubsidized employment by assisting with job development, including working with Career Center’s Business Services Team. Support the role of the Grants Eligibility Screener.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Ability to maintain detailed records on an automated and/or manual system. Strong attention to detail, high levels of accuracy & organization, and the ability to meet deadlines. Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Word Office Suite -Word, Excel, Power Point, & Outlook; and database formats). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests. Ability to be discrete and maintain confidentiality. Ability to travel using personal vehicles to offsite locations. (Mileage reimbursed.) Working knowledge of local community resources including both government and non‑government agencies. Must be able to work independently, and as a member of a team. Ability to multitask, set priorities, adhere to deadlines in a fast‑paced environment, and be sensitive to, understand, and respect customer and staff confidentiality issues. Ability to be flexible and willing to adapt to meet the needs of Career Center operations. Ability to exhibit professionalism by attendance, punctuality, appearance, and demeanor. Ability to communicate challenges and/or concerns.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, social services, psychology, or related field OR; Any equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) years of relevant experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job Three (3) years of experience in career counseling, case management, and/or job development and retention Experience providing services or support to individuals from varied cultural, educational, or socioeconomic backgrounds Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Five (5) years of related experience in career counseling, case management, and/or job development and retention BOUNCE Training Program Certified Certification in resume writing and critiquing Two (2) years of experience working with local community‑based organizations Two (2) years of experience working with local trade and vocational skills training providers Experience working with ex‑offenders, people in early recovery, and/or at‑risk populations SALARY RANGE: $31.40‑ $38.27 hourly, full‑time, with an excellent benefits package. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to Worcester residents. #J-18808-Ljbffr WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE