Vocational Counselor

Job Description Position Title: Vocational Counselor Department: Vocational Services Reports to: Director of Vocational Services Employment Status: Full Time FSLA Status: Exempt Salary: $45,000 - $50,000 Position Summary The Vocational Services Program at Interfaith Works equips people transitioning out of homelessness and other low-income residents of Montgomery County to achieve economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment, while meeting the needs of employers by providing qualified, dependable employees looking to build long‑term careers. We are seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English) Vocational Counselor to join our team. The work we do changes people's lives. Getting a job can have a powerful ripple effect that starts with the individual and expands to their family, their community, contributes to the local economy, and can reduce dependence on social services. Our approach is based on always putting our clients first while simultaneously coaching them through a job search process that is disciplined, focused, and requires client engagement and accountability. We believe in the work that we do and are seeking a qualified and dedicated candidate who wants to contribute to our mission. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Leading vocational clients through a targeted job search process, including an intensive one‑on‑one counseling and coaching program, to build job search skills and confidence, and encourage accountability Preparing clients for marketplace jobs with a series of job readiness classes. Encouraging and motivating clients throughout the job search process. Assisting with the job application process, including preparing and practicing for interviews. Building relationships with area employers and developing specific job leads. Identifying free and low‑cost training or educational opportunities. Providing clients with ongoing support for employment retention success. Collaborating with case managers, therapists and other service providers to achieve optimal outcomes for all clients. Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, Skills, Abilities) Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and presentation skills. Valid driver's license and safe and reliable transportation. Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office365 (Word, Excel and Outlook), Zoom, and Teams. Effective organizational skills in documentation, service planning, and follow‑up. Fluency in Spanish is a plus. Comfortable using the database, Dynamics 365, to record clients' progress. A minimum of one‑year experience working with low‑income populations, or with individuals experiencing homelessness, is preferred. Experience in preparing effective resumes and cover letters is preferred. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a high‑functioning team; creative problem‑solving, and capacity to multitask and prioritize. Knowledge of supported employment programs for clients with co‑occurring disorders, mental illness or other lifelong disabilities is a plus. Knowledge of the DC Metropolitan Area labor market and familiarity with local industries and sectors is a plus. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Benefits Interfaith Works offers a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. Employees receive 14 paid holidays and 21 days of PTO. Benefits for full‑time employees, those who work 30 hours per week or more, include access to subsidized medical, dental, and vision costs for employees and their families; employer paid long‑term disability insurance as well as life and AD&DD insurance. Employees have the option to purchase supplemental benefits that are fully portable, including short‑term disability insurance, critical illness insurance, and more. All employees regardless of full or part time status have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to them. NOTE This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

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