Employment Counselor

Job Summary

The Employment Counselor provides services for job seekers to assist them in becoming job-ready. The Employment Counselor advises career center customers on such matters as job search methods and job interview processes; reviews and analyzes customer information through records, tests, and interviews; conducts counseling interviews with customers; describes, explains, and conducts assessments related to eligibility for specific programs, describes and explains procedures and benefits related to agency programs; delivers workshops and information sessions, maintains liaison with public and private organizations; compiles occupational, educational and other information; maintains timely and comprehensive customer information in the Massachusetts One-Stop Employment System (MOSES) database and performs related work as required. The primary purpose of this position is to provide services to individuals through the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program (RESEA). The U.S. Department of Labor funds RESEA to help unemployment insurance claimants return to work faster.

Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities

• Conduct career center seminars to provide information about the various services available to assist individuals with their job search.
• Conduct RESEA reviews, which include intensive one-on-one career action planning, guidance, development, and job search reviews.
• Provide information, support, and guidance to customers on job search methods and job interview processes, as well as identify solutions to barriers to employment to help job seekers become job ready.
• Recommend specific actions to prepare customers for employment and / or training opportunities.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments for each customer, analyzing their work history, transferable skills, educational background, interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personal characteristics. This includes evaluating labor market information and determining their marketability.
• Collaborate with the job seeker and, based on the comprehensive assessment results, develop a career action plan that outlines services, including education and training, to help achieve the job seeker's employment goals.
• Participate in a team approach to determining the customer's suitability for participation in programs such as WIOA, Trade, National Dislocated Worker Grants, and specialty-funded services. Verify eligibility and ensure all documents / records are properly documented and compliant with federal and state regulations.
• Oversee a complex and extensive caseload, maintaining ongoing customer contact to monitor progress in job search and / or training until the customer finds employment.
• Conduct counseling interviews with job seekers, providing guidance and suggestions to help them achieve their occupational, educational, or vocational goals by agency policies and state and federal law.
• Maintain and document all services and notes in the Massachusetts One-Stop Employment System (MOSES) database to ensure compliance and accurate monitoring.
• Answer eligibility, procedures, and benefits inquiries, and provide information about agency programs and services to customers and other interested parties.
• Liaise with public and private organizations, including WIOA partner organizations, to promote programs and services, exchange information, and develop the resources necessary to provide high-quality customer services
• Perform related duties as needed, including maintaining records, preparing reports, and attending meetings as required.
• Participate in staff development and cross-training opportunities to expand functional skills and promote professional growth

Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The employee sits, walks, and stands and uses hands repetitively to handle or operate standard office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds.

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