Employment Counselor- Mfip (Bilingual Somali/English)

Summary

The Employment Counselor provides services to participants in adult workforce development programs. This position will specifically work with participants in the MFIP program. Employment Counselors assist participants in gaining employment through assessment, counseling, educational planning, job development, and case management. They help people overcome challenges and set training and career goals that lead to self-sufficiency. Through individual counseling, the Employment Counselor provides support and encouragement for participants as they work to achieve their goals and after they obtain employment. The Employment Counselor will provide services in the way that best serves their clients, which may be in person or remotely using email, telephone, and teleconferencing technologies.

Agency Information:

JFCS is a multi-faceted human services agency with the mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need. JFCS is a place where you can put your values to work every day. You will be able to:

• Make a positive difference in the lives of others
• Feel energized to give your best effort and enjoy a healthy work/life balance
• Learn, grow and accomplish new things

JFCS serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions and highly values inclusion and diversity. Employment opportunities are available to all without regard for race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability. AA/EEO

Salary and Benefits:

• Approximate annual salary $46,000
• Competitive benefits package including medical insurance, 401(k) with match, life and long-term disability insurance, and access to other benefits including vision and dental
• Work-life balance including 37.5 hour work week, 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick time, paid parental leave, holidays, flexible schedule, and the option to work up to 60% time from home
• Social work licensing supervision

Responsibilities:

Case Management (70%):

• Accurately assess clients’ interests, aptitude, skills, motivation, and barriers to employment to determine work readiness.
• In collaboration with clients, develop individual employment plans with measurable goals.
• Evaluate appropriateness of training options, coordinate and monitor clients’ progress in training programs.
• Research employment opportunities and network with employers to assist clients with job search.
• Access appropriate support services to address barriers to employment.

Documentation (15%):

• Record, organize, and manage client and agency information to ensure accurate and timely documentation.
• Maintain required forms and documentation in compliance with program and agency guidelines.
• Maintain organized and timely client files.
• Comply with data privacy laws and procedures

Program Advertisement (10%):

• Conduct program information sessions and service intakes with referred participants.
• Educate about program requirements and guidelines.
• Market the program to potential clients, community agencies and organizations, and educational institutions.

Training (5%):

• Develop and conduct small-group job search skills and basic re-employment skills training sessions.

Education and Experience:

• One year of experience providing employment counseling services to populations experiencing barriers to employment
• Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) certification OR a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field OR the ability to obtain the credential within one year of hire preferred.
• Experience providing services under government contracts preferred.

Skills and Qualities:

• Respects and reflects JFCS’s Values: compassion, inclusion, innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
• Expertise in identifying interests, skills, capabilities, and barriers to employment of persons served
• Ability to apply counseling skills and career development theories to help clients work through trauma, develop confidence and establish achievable employment goals.
• Proven ability to engage compassionately with people from across all backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and mental and physical abilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effective problem solver.
• Ability to use approved testing and assessment instruments appropriately under supervision.
• Possess strong attention to detail, documentation, evaluation, and follow-up skills.
• Excellent ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of local job market and employment trends.
• Bilingual skills – English/Somali
• Experience providing services virtually or remotely preferred.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.