MFIP Employment Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

MFIP Employment Counselor

 

Position Type: Full-time

 

Location: Saint Paul, MN

 

Travel Required: Local (less than 25%)

 

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, counseling or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered

 

Min Experience Req: 2 years; lived experience will also be considered.

 

Organization Overview

 

For over 118 years, Merrick Community Services has succeeded in its mission to champion thriving communities by eliminating barriers and providing essential resources to promote stability, independence, social and economic justice.

 

Merrick Community Services was founded on Saint Paul’s East Side in 1908 as the Christ Child Society of Saint Paul, in the tradition of an early 20th Century Settlement House, which provided essential services to new arrivals and immigrants and economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Today, Merrick Community Services (MCS) stands as one of the oldest nonprofit social service agencies in Ramsey County, with a history of being steadfast in assisting individuals and families overcome poverty and become self-sufficient. The core programs of MCS are Nutrition and Senior Services, Employment and Career Services, and Family and Community Services.

 

Description

The Employment Counselor supports families enrolled in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) in achieving family stability and long-term economic self-sufficiency. Using a person-centered, strength-based, and culturally responsive approach, the counselor provides comprehensive case management, employment planning, and coaching to help participants overcome barriers, access resources, and secure sustainable employment. This role requires creativity, problem-solving, and a commitment to reducing racial and economic disparities in employment outcomes. This position will report to the Senior Program Manager. A valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to reliable transportation are required.

 

Responsibilities

Case Management and Participant Support

• Manage a caseload of 70-100 MFIP eligible families
• Build open, honest and respectful relationships with participants that foster trust and engagement
• Conduct comprehensive intake and assessment to identify participants strengths, barriers, and employment goals
• Using the principles of Life Long Learning, develop individual employment plans using SMART goals and motivational interviewing techniques
• Provide intensive one-on-one coaching and job search assistance to clients, including resume development, interview preparation, and job readiness training
• Support participant with community resource navigation, education and training programs to overcome barriers to employment and support career advancement, goal setting, and family stability
• Support participants who have experienced domestic violence and other trauma with empathy, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Meet clients in office and in non-traditional office settings; this role may require meeting clients at their homes or public places
• Facilitate workshops that build job search and employment readiness skills
• Promote integration of services such as education, financial empowerment, mental health, and family supports

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, participant data, and progress reports in Workforce One and other systems
• Track participant progress towards goals and outcomes, ensuring data quality and compliance with program requirements
• Prepare and submit reports as required
• Safeguard participant confidentiality and adhere to organizational and legal standards (e.g., HIPAA, data privacy, etc.)

Other

• Participate in MCS fundraising events
• Represent MCS to the East Side community with area partners and others in a supportive, positive manner
• Develop and cultivate positive relationships with local businesses, faith communities, volunteers, and colleagues; and, to maintain relationships over time to the benefit of MCS
• ·Other duties as assigned

 

Required Qualifications

• Successful track record working with and engaging diverse populations, particularly BIPOC individuals and families, those in poverty, justice-involved individuals, and others who identify outside of the dominant culture; further experience working with participants with a history of domestic violence or other trauma
• Two or more years of experience with employment case management, strengths-based goal setting, motivational interviewing, and community resource navigation
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to professionally interact with participants, community members, and MCS staff in written and verbal communication
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and proven ability to learn new software and technologies
• Highly organized and attentive to detail to manage many different tasks and strategies simultaneously, including being self-directed, and timely in completing work and meeting deadlines
• Must have access to reliable transportation, a valid Minnesota driver’s license and current insurance; and pass a background check.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, counseling or a related field. Merrick values lived experience, and equivalent experience will be considered.
• Previous experience working with MFIP or other Minnesota state benefit programs
• Prior experience working under state or federal contracts or grants
• Proficiency with WorkForce One and ClientTrack (or other client management system)
• Bilingual skills, with preference given to Hmong, Karen, Spanish, or Somali speakers.

 

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position. Rather they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this job description. Employment at Merrick Community Services is at-will and may be terminated by either employee or employer for any lawful reason.

We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our sector: individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQI+ and gender fluid or gender nonconforming, individuals with disabilities (both seen and unseen), veterans, people of any age or family status.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, disability, marital status, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or a protected veteran status.

 

Company Description

For over 118 Years, Merrick Community Services (MCS) has succeeded in its mission to improve the lives of residents of the East Side of Saint Paul by champions thriving communities by eliminating barriers and providing essential resources to promote stability, independence, social and economic justice.

Merrick Community Services was founded on Saint Paul’s East Side in 1908 as the Christ Child Society of Saint Paul, in the tradition of an early 20th Century Settlement House, which provided essential services to new arrivals and immigrants and economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Today, Merrick Community Services (MCS) stands as one of the oldest nonprofit social service agencies in Ramsey County, with a history of being steadfast in assisting individuals and families overcome poverty and become self-sufficient. The core programs of MCS are Employment/Career Services, Family and Community Services, Food Shelves, and Meals on Wheels/Senior Services.

Company Description

For over 118 Years, Merrick Community Services (MCS) has succeeded in its mission to improve the lives of residents of the East Side of Saint Paul by champions thriving communities by eliminating barriers and providing essential resources to promote stability, independence, social and economic justice.\r\n\r\nMerrick Community Services was founded on Saint Paul’s East Side in 1908 as the Christ Child Society of Saint Paul, in the tradition of an early 20th Century Settlement House, which provided essential services to new arrivals and immigrants and economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Today, Merrick Community Services (MCS) stands as one of the oldest nonprofit social service agencies in Ramsey County, with a history of being steadfast in assisting individuals and families overcome poverty and become self-sufficient. The core programs of MCS are Employment/Career Services, Family and Community Services, Food Shelves, and Meals on Wheels/Senior Services.