DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Employment Counselor II is responsible for providing assessment, case management, job readiness and job search preparation and/or post-employment follow-up services to mandated Temporary Assistance clients. The Employment Counselor II utilizes a variety of tools and programming to support participants on their paths to employment, self-sufficiency, or toward award of Social Security. In addition, this title is also responsible for assisting the Principal Employment Counselors with duties including audits, reports, case reviews, training of new and existing staff, meeting facilitation and employment activity development. Skillset and work output is greater than that of an Employment Counselor I. The Employment Counselor II reports directly to the Principal Employment Counselor. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Collects and reviews participant information required by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, including basic skills proficiency, childcare and other supportive needs, skills, prior work experience, training and vocational interests, and family circumstances.

Provides assessment and ongoing case management of Temporary Assistance and SNAP clients.

Assigns participants to appropriate combination of employment, rehabilitative and treatment activity per NYS guidelines.

Effectively communicates participant requirements to remain in program compliance.

Reviews and assesses results of standardized tests and identifies education and training needs.

Works with clients individually and in groups to develop employability plans and restoration to self-sufficiency plans, depending on employability status.

Develops and implements employment activity relating to life skills, soft skills, best practices in resume writing, interviewing, job retention and pre-employment preparation.

Networks with community partners and employers to foster relationships for creating new work and volunteer opportunities for job seekers.

Develops and utilizes resources to support staff and client success.

Maintains current knowledge of Department of Social Services-Economic Security (DSS-ES) policies.

Collaborates with other DSS-ES and County departments as needed.

May assist leadership with audits, case reviews, reports, meetings and activity development.

Creates and facilitates training for existing and new staff and maintains related materials.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of Federal, State and local Temporary Assistance and SNAP regulations.

Good knowledge of community partners and human service agencies.

Proficiency in computer programs, including CMS, COGNOS, VenTek, Outlook and Microsoft.

Ability to manage several projects at once in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to work as a productive member of a team.

Ability to deal effectively with complex, inter-relational government systems.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively and accurately, while maintaining positive relationships with clients and colleagues.

Ability to develop and facilitate productive training.

Ability to conduct off-site visits with programs and activities that are available to clients.

Ability to use independent judgement, critical thinking and active listening skills to identify complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions.

Ability to research and implement assessment and career exploration tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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One (1) year of permanent, competitive-class status as an Employment Counselor I.

Open Competitive

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology, psychology, social work, human resources, business or labor/industry relations, or a closely related field and two (2) years of professional-level work experience, or its part time equivalent, providing direct services to educationally and/or economically disadvantaged individuals; or,

B. Six (6) years of full time paraprofessional or professional-level work experience, one (1) year of which must have been professional-level work experience as defined in (A).

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