CAREER COUNSELOR

CAREER COUNSELOR 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 Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Team, 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, verifies and documents their eligibility and suitability for federal grant programs, assists in identifying and applying for suitable, approved training opportunities, supports trainees in maintaining good academic standing, and helps to secure employment for training graduates. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Refer and guide customers to training and career development opportunities, including process for Individual Training Account (ITA). Compile occupational, educational and other pertinent information to assist Career Center customers in determining vocational and educational interests and goals. Review and analyze customer information gathered through interviews, records, tests, and observation to determine employment and training interests, vocational aptitudes and abilities, and barriers to employment. Determine eligibility for agency services and programs and make appropriate recommendations. Maintain customer caseload and advise customers on such matters as job search techniques, career action plans, labor market tools, ways of dealing with barriers to employment, and specific courses of action to prepare for training and employment opportunities. Support WIOA eligible customers through WIOA procedures related to various Career Center programs and assist participants with developing a Career Action Plan, and support through ongoing case management, ongoing follow up, and post-employment support. Promote Career Center programs and services to exchange information with partners and to develop shared resources that will enhance services to all clients. Follow up on referrals, update clients, and as applicable, input data into MOSES. Process includes administering and interpreting various tests (i.e., TABE). Refer customers to community resources and programs. Confer with partner agency staff on clients' behalf. Coordinate with BEST team to identify MHCCC customers to be referred to for career opportunities and assist with identifying occupational clusters of interest to customers so BEST staff can proactively recruit for customers completing training. Complete MOSES training and gain familiarity with its use. Document all WIOA services, and other programs requiring data on customers, activities and case notes in MOSES database, in a timely manner. Maintain knowledge of Career Center job readiness, training & education programs for eligible participants, as well as resources available through partner and community agency programs. Refer participants, as appropriate, to address individual needs. 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 ELEMENTARY 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 center functions 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 trainings, as well as contribute 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 vehicle 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr