POSITION TITLE: EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR – DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM

REPORTS TO: SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

STARTING WAGE: $24.04 per hour

ABOUT HIRED

At Hired, we believe every person is one good job away from a stable and promising future. We specialize in supporting individuals whose opportunities have been shaped by historic and systemic inequities. We strive to provide coaching and skill-building opportunities at every step of their journey while helping individuals stabilize by meeting their basic needs and navigating systems of support. Through the culmination of these efforts, we believe will ultimately enable them to provide for their families, advance in their career, and pursue their purpose.

We look for these skills in a talented individual to join our team and strive to cultivate an environment that harnesses the collective power of these values and experiences each team member brings in pursuit of Hired’s mission and values. Hire’s mission is to nurture purpose and advance economic opportunity for all through individualized employment and career services. Our values include:

• Putting People First
• Going the Extra Mile
• Advancing Equity
• Working Together

In addition to competitive salaries, Hired offers work/life balance supported by a hybrid schedule and a generous paid time off program that includes vacation, personal & health, 3 floating holidays and 12 observed holidays. Other benefit offerings include Health & Dental; Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); Employer Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance; 401(K) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution; Voluntary Life, Vision, Legal Insurance, and employee referral program.

HIRED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The role of the Employment Counselor is to build strong relationships and assist diverse individuals and families in their job search and career exploration. The Employment Counselor will commit to a strength based, person centered approach to serve individuals, reduce racial disparities gaps, and achieve program outcome goals. In addition, will be the Employment Counselor will be the primary contact for recruiting potential participants, and marketing Hired’s services for the purpose of enrollment. They will communicate information and provide materials to potential applicants, as a means of outreach.

POSTION REQUIREMENTS

• Two years of experience in combining elements of training, counseling, case management and other services. Three years' experience in operations of Workforce Development programs; Personal computer literacy required, including effective use of the Internet, e-mail, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook). Ability to meet and/or exceed set goals and objectives. Excellent interpersonal, project and time management, customer service, organizational skills and communication skills, both oral and written required. Experience utilizing State’s WorkforceOne (WF1) system highly desired.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Enrollment/Assessment

• Conduct or assist in conducting group or one-on-one program information/overviews for potential participants.
• Assess and evaluate participant’s physical, social, vocational, educational and employment situation to
• determine participant strengths and identify barriers
• Conduct one on one career exploration and assessments with participants and incorporate results in goal setting and development of employment plan
• Administer appropriate assessment and screening tools per program requirements or guidelines

Case Management

• In collaboration with participant, develop an appropriate plan with specific timelines and measurable goals.
• Provide ongoing coaching and employment counseling.
• Discuss and educate participant on labor market demands and trends.
• Discuss career pathways and make appropriate referrals based on participant interest.
• Assist in coordinating internal and external resources and support services by consulting with service providers, that may include health-related services, services for children, financial assistance, advocacy, and legal resources, education, work related needs and housing.
• Collaborate and follow through with other employment service providers, County business partners, businesses, community agencies, and educational institutions on behalf of participants.

File Management/Reporting

• Monitor and report on participant progress.
• Maintain electronic case files and case file documentation including uploading all required documents in EDS.
• Maintain compliance with program contract requirements and program policies.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and adhere to Data Privacy laws.
• Complete data entry per program requirements including but not limited to all functions in WorkforceOne electronic participant files and regular and ongoing case noting.
• Respond to requests for report and case file reconciliation in a timely manner and take appropriate action

Recruitment

• Develop, plan and conduct outreach activities throughout the Twin Cities Metro area.
• Build applicant sources by researching and contacting community services, colleges, employment agencies, recruiters, media, and internet sites; providing organization information, opportunities, and benefits; making presentations; and maintaining rapport.
• Utilize social media platforms to promote Hired’s services.
• Provide coverage at outreach events and alternate sites such as libraries, grocery stores, etc. to reach potential participants.
• Attend or host job fairs and other events to search for participants.
• Conduct or assist in conducting group or one-on-one program information/overviews for potential participants.
• Determine program eligibility of participants through formal and informal inquiry and screening.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES/DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC:

• Keep abreast of county, state, and federal program policies. Maintain high level of skill and expertise through professional development and continuing education.
• Collaborate with other agencies for program activities.
• Maintain awareness of current labor market information.
• Meet all program goals as outlined in contract
• Fulfill obligations as mandated reporter.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

• Understand and support Hired's mission.
• Adheres to Hired standard of conduct and policies as stated in the Employee Handbook.
• Maintain a strong work ethic that ensures honesty, conscientiousness, and dependability.
• Assist, mentor and cooperate with others to encourage professional development.
• Adapt and adjust to work environment of change, uncertainty, and ambiguity.
• Participate in Hired internal and external activities and groups in addition to essential job functions.
• Attend and actively participate in organization sponsored and external trainings in the development of cultural competency/sensitivity.
• Carry out all job responsibilities in the spirit of equity and inclusion.
• Desire to develop and grow intercultural competency.