EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR I
30475
Competitive
The Employment Counselor I is responsible for administering Onondaga County’s welfare to work program. The Employment Counselor I provides intake, assessment, case management, job readiness/job search preparation, and/or post-employment follow-up services to mandated public assistance recipients. Participants may be full-time employable, work limited, or medically exempt individuals in need of assistance. The Employment Counselor I utilizes a variety of tools and programming to support participants on their paths to employment, self-sufficiency, or toward achieving the award of Social Security. The Employment Counselor I represents the Department of Social Services by modeling a strong work ethic and exemplary professionalism, wholly embodying the core values of the program. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Reviews participant information required by the Office of Temporary Assistance. This includes basic skills proficiency, childcare and other supportive needs, skills and prior work experience, training and vocational interests, and family circumstances.
Effectively communicates activities required for the participant to remain in program compliance.
Reviews and accesses results of standardized tests and identifies specific training needs.
Works with job seekers individually and in groups to develop employability plans and restoration to self-sufficiency plans, depending on individual circumstances.
Works with potential clients in their homes or in the office to assist with all phases of the SSI application process.
Assigns participant to appropriate combination of employment, rehabilitative and treatment activity per NYS guidelines.
Develops and implements group and individual activities dealing with such topics as life skills, soft skills, best practices in job searching and resume writing, interviewing and job retention skills.
Researches and collaborates with community agencies that can coordinate services to meet participant needs; refers participant to appropriate agency.
Monitors jobseeker participation and progress in assigned activity by requesting, collecting, and reviewing attendance, minimally on a monthly basis.
Ensures jobseekers have all the support mechanisms in place to succeed – childcare, transportation, work clothing, etc.
Provides conciliation and/or remedial interventions and follow-up.
Enters and maintains comprehensive case notes utilizing the established format in a timely manner.
Provides ADA and LEP accommodations to participants including the use of translation services.
Connects jobseekers to direct job leads matching their skill level and work experience.
Tracks and documents client employment outcomes.
Networks with community partners and employers to foster relationships for creating new work and volunteer opportunities for jobseekers.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Working knowledge of the concepts of the cultural, environmental, and personal factors influencing the lives of persons who are economically disadvantaged, low income or unemployed.
Working knowledge of community organizations and human service agencies.
Working knowledge of training and educational programs available through local agencies.
Ability to work with diverse populations, including those who are educationally and economically disadvantaged.
Ability to engage and coach adults in order to achieve goals.
Ability to manage and prioritize one’s own day-to-day work requirements in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately, while maintaining positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
Ability to use independent judgment, critical thinking, and active listening to identify complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
07/25 Revised