Employment and Training Counselor

Job Summary

Performs responsible professional duties in assisting youth and adults to secure and retain employment. The employee has the authority to carry out their duties in a manner consistent with good professional judgment and within the parameters of state and federal statutes, Department of Human Services, Department of Employment and Economic Development rules, and Scott County Human Services policies and procedures.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plans, develops, coordinates, and implements activities and services to assist youth and adults in overcoming barriers and obtaining suitable employment. Assists with grant implementation.  
• Interviews and assesses clients to determine their employment goals, preferences, capabilities, and support service needs using a structured interview process, observation, screening tools, and standardized tests of skills, abilities, interests, and values. Interprets test results with the client and provides career counseling. Develops an individualized employment plan based on assessment results to assist client in the successful transition to employment.  
• Counsels low-income, unemployed, and underemployed individuals during the course of their training, job search, and employment to assist in the development of positive work habits and attitudes. Provides case management for clients.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Staffs the Career Lab on a rotational basis; assists visitors with job search related inquiries; provides visitors with job leads, resources, and program related information and referrals  
• Utilizes and authorizes funding sources, monitors fund projections, and makes payments on behalf of clients.  
• Contacts public and private employers to recruit client work sites. Provides safety training for work site supervisors. Monitors work site compliance with program policies and regulations. Contacts education and training providers to monitor client performance and attainment of credentials. 
• Processes program participant payroll accurately and timely. Completes federal and state payroll and tax form documentation for program participants.  
• Completes job development and job placement activities. Contacts employers to make connections for clients in various employment and training programs.  
• Develops and teaches curriculum based on client and program needs. Reviews, evaluates, and modifies existing and proposed curriculum. Evaluates participant's learning style, educational, and employment background, and modifies content and/or teaching style accordingly.   
• Maintains the county, state, and federal client case and document management systems, including accurate client records involving the appropriate forms and information.  
• Determines client compliance with program requirements and employment plans. Processes sanctions and fraud referrals as required by policy.
• Operates within the laws that govern Data Privacy and Freedom of Information.
• Participates on local, regional, and statewide committees and work groups.  
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, clients, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.  
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must have one of the following:

High school diploma or GED and 10 years of directly related experience managing a caseload in an employment and training related field.  
High school diploma or GED plus one year of post-secondary education and 8 years of related experience
Associate's Degree and 6 years of related experience
Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of related experience
Master's Degree
Requires a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Training related to career counseling techniques and working with diverse populations desirable.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision of the Employment and Training Supervisor. The employee performs assigned duties with latitude for independent judgment allowed in dealing with clients and selecting methods used in following the program plan. Work is reviewed by conferences, written reports, and objectives achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of federal and State funded employment and training programs, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge of the various county policies and procedures.

Knowledge of community resources.

Knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Knowledge of case management techniques.

Knowledge of available, suitable employment in the local labor market and the necessary qualifications for that employment.

Abilities – Ability to establish and maintain accurate and systematic program records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, private and public agencies, employers, and coworkers.

Ability to accurately analyze, organize, and coordinate job activities for participants and employee's own workflow.

Ability to remain objective and communicate effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, with employers, and with employees of various public and private agencies.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field within clients' places of work, or other non-county location. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple clients. Incumbent may be exposed to various atmospheric conditions such as odors, dusts, pets, poor ventilation, fumes, etc. when working in clients' residences. Incumbent may be exposed to uncooperative, angry, and sometimes hostile clients. Some evening or weekend hours may be required.  

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.