Dwp Employment Counselor

ABOUT EMERGE

Our mission is to reveal the potential in people and communities through skill building, employment and economic opportunity. We envision a world where all people have an opportunity to emerge and thrive. At EMERGE, we are committed to revealing the potential in people and giving them the tools they need to not only gain employment but also receive proper training to establish careers.

EMERGE offers a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, HSA with generous agency contribution, 403b with very generous agency match, 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks PTO in first year increasing to 20 in year 2.

Position Summary

The DWP Employment Counselor is responsible for providing diversionary work program (DWP) services to participants looking for employment. This position is responsible for enrolling participants into the program and monitoring their progress. DWP staff will provide comprehensive services for persons reentering the labor market including: assessments, educational and career coaching, connection to internal and external supportive services, traditional & non-traditional job placement, facilitation of intake, workplace interventions, and general case management duties (advocacy, referrals, documentation/reporting of all activities and client outcomes in case files and database systems).
General Responsibilities include:
Provide a variety of services and support to participants including: intake; needs/goals/strengths assessment; counseling, training, and coordination with partners; employment and education/training; and job retention/advancement services.
Ensure case files, case notes and databases are accurate, complete and current
Coordinate and connect participants with job and financial readiness education opportunities, internal and external opportunities.
Facilitate key coaching to enhance the development of marketable work skills, successful work habits, and participant-directed self-sufficiency goals.
Ensure the overall integration and maintenance of participant caseloads in DWP and all Emerge programming/opportunities available to participants.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences or related field; or equivalent combination of relevant work and educational experience.

One year of work experience in employment & training, human services, and/or MFIP/DWP preferred.

GCDF certification preferred, must obtain within one year of employment

Ability to coach and support participants in enrolling and completing education/training and/or obtaining and retaining full-time employment.

Knowledge of participant-specific needs related to limited English proficiency, basic needs, immigration, transportation, disability status, and career development.

Skilled in the provision of accurate, detailed, and results-oriented case management services.

Knowledge and sensitivity to psychosocial, economic and physical conditions affecting DWP participants.

Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook;
Ability to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff reflect significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, socio-economic status, nationality and religion.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
Valid MN Drivers’ License, access to reliable, insured transportation, and the ability to meet agency’s driving requirements including proof of insurance.