Career Counselor at The WorkPlace – Bridgeport, Connecticut

TITLE: Career Counselor

EOE STATEMENT: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

DESCRIPTION:

Job Title: CAREER COUNSELOR - (Bridgeport/New Haven)

Department: Operations

Reports To: Program Director - SCSEP

Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary: $47,250-$54,600

SUMMARY

The Career Counselor under our Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) coordinates services for individuals facing employment barriers, using assessments and job readiness activities to support career planning. They arrange interviews, monitor progress, and provide counseling to meet program goals. The Counselor refers qualified participants to host agencies, follows up on placements, and collaborates closely with host partners. This position will serve both New Haven and Bridgeport.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Recruit/screen/select eligible participants and host agencies from the designated service delivery area.
2. Develop relationships with various organizations that can be a source for participants' training and employment.
3. Present information to prospective participants in both individual and group settings.
4. Conduct job workshops and motivate participants to take part in job search activities, to take advantage of training opportunities, and to actively seek unsubsidized placements.
5. Conduct eligibility determination and certify participants using program guidelines.
6. Secure and process participants' information during the intake and application process.
7. Develop job search strategies and marketing materials that will support enrolled participants with job search efforts.
8. Provide case management and career coaching services to participants, including arranging assessments, workshop attendance, occupational training decisions, enrollment in training, monitoring, and resume writing and follow-up as required.
9. Develop a mutually agreed upon Employment/Career Plan to identify the participant's short-term and long-term objectives, update the plan as needed, and monitor participants' progress.
10. Develop partnerships with host agency and with education and training providers, to facilitate the delivery of program services and assure positive outcomes for participants.
11. Assist the payroll department in reconciling participant timesheets.
12. Maintain and accumulate data records of specified, relevant participant activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for own work and oversight of participant employees.

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.

• Knowledge of training, counseling, and/or case management
• Ability to work with and support a diverse customer base
• Ability to motivate clients and establish a support 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
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a four-year college in Human Services, Education or Business Management and/or three years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of the health care industry is preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS

The ability to understand more advanced computer skills and be proficient in the advanced knowledge of software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access as well as data management systems.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The ability to speak, read, and/or intrepid Spanish is a plus.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Preference given for training in Professional Accredited Resume Writer (PARW).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: WorkPlace - 1000 Lafayette

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: