Senior Employment Counselor

SR. EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR

General Description

This full time non-exempt position, under the supervision of the Program Director is responsible for managing a minimal caseload, and supervising the work of other employment resource counselors. This position is also responsible for coordinating all employment resources issues related to the residents.

Qualified applicants will have the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Providing training oversight and daily supervision and guidance to all ERC and activities

• Developing and maintaining a bank of employment opportunity for an offender population

• Assisting employers in establishing recruiting standards, which will benefit the hard-to-place skilled disadvantaged applicant

• Helping residents develop job-search, job application and interviewing skills

• Empowering residents with pertinent information regarding federal, state and local employment laws

• Providing follow-up counseling for residents to ensure effective work ethics

• Facilitating one-on-one and group personal development sessions

• Preparing and providing accurate and timely documentation in accordance with company and contract guidelines

• Participating in mandated training and staff development activities

• Performing other job related duties as may be required by the Program Director

Knowledge:

• Modern employment principles and practices relevant to community corrections;

• Federal, State and local employment laws;

• Agency contractual agreement with the Department of Corrections as it relates to Employment and Vocational training;

• Theories on career development, job placement and work ethics;

• Effective counseling techniques;

• Employment opportunities convenient to the population served;

• Available support services, including assessment, testing tools and opportunities for skill development;

Abilities:

• Plan, organize and manage a caseload;

• Orient, train, develop and supervise the work of other employment resource counselors effectively;

• Interpret rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and the standards and objectives of the company and contracting agencies;

• Interpret contractual and administrative rights and obligations of residents;

• Compile weekly statistics for Monthly Report;

• Monitor site visits of current and prospective employers of residents;

• Maintain accurate employment/vocational training records and documentation for all residents;

• Establish and maintain a positive relationship with the contractual agency, employers and vocational training support groups in neighboring communities;

• Act decisively, tactfully and with firmness in emergency situations;

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing with all levels of the organization and

• Other components of the Criminal Justice System, and

• Meet contracting agency clearance requirements.

Academic and Work Experience:

This position requires 3 years experience in social services, employment and/or 3* years of demonstrated effective relevant experience in a community based human service organization serving the hard-to-place disadvantaged population. Applicants should have relevant experience within the community corrections field, with proven demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities; and moderate computer skills. Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice or Social Sciences and 3-5 years of Supervisory experience required.