CAREER COUNSELOR (ReEntry Programming)

Job Title:          CAREER COUNSELOR (ReEntry Programming) (Bridgeport, CT)

Department:     Operations

Reports To:       Director, ReEntry Programming

Classification:  Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:        $47,250-$54,600

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SUMMARY

A Career Counselor must successfully provide case coordination and management to individuals with multiple barriers to education and employment by utilizing assessments, planning, and related activities. The Career Counselor shall function as both the case manager and academic/career advisor for their assigned participants. The Career Counselor will work collaboratively with the Employer Relations Specialist (ERS) by assisting to arrange interviews, creating resumes; monitoring participant performance throughout the program, and counseling participants so that all programmatic metrics are successfully met. Career Counselors will use assessment information to develop individual career plans, assist in choosing appropriate training, and refer qualified participants to employers, and conduct necessary follow-up throughout the participant’s enrollment with our ReEntry programming.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Work with program staff to conduct eligibility determinations and certify participants using program guidelines.
• Assist participants in determining the appropriate career pathway by analyzing their skills, interests, and aptitudes.
• Develop a mutually agreed upon individualized education plan to identify the participant’s short-term and long-term objectives, update the plan as needed and monitor participants’ progress.
• Responsible for tracking and reporting participant support services funds and training accounts to management on a monthly basis.
• Counsel participants in career planning and job search strategies while facilitating the creation of viable long-term career goals.
• Work with ERS staff to support enrolled participants with job search efforts.
• Provide comprehensive case management and career counseling services to participants, including assessments, resumes, and employment preparation.
• Follow-up with existing participants to assess their job search, resume writing, and interview progress.
• Following up with individuals regarding job interviews and employment status.
• Researching and developing industry knowledge in key occupations in order to ensure effective matching of candidates to available positions.
• Conduct mock interviews and assist participants with the creation of resumes and cover letters.
• Develop partnerships with employers and with education and training providers, to facilitate the delivery of program services and assure positive outcomes for participants.
• Ensuring the integrity of data is recorded accurately, factually, and correctly reported, documented, and entered into appropriate databases.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for own work and not required to direct or supervise other personnel, but may occasionally instruct or show another employee how to perform the work.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in employment counseling, and/or case management
• Ability to work with and support a diverse customer base
• Ability to motivate clients and establish a supportive professional relationship with participants
• Commitment to assisting low-income and disadvantaged individuals in overcoming barriers to achievement and success in their personal and work lives
• Demonstrate knowledge of labor market trends and job growth
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent majoring in Human Services, Education or Business Management and/or three years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

COMPUTER SKILLS

The ability to understand more advanced computer skills and be proficient Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Willingness to master appropriate data and case management systems.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Multilingual preferred

Preference is given for training in Motivational Interviewing, Coaching, and/or Professional Accredited Resume Writer (PARW)