EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR II
30425
Competitive
The Employment Counselor II is responsible for oversight of one or more teams of employees comprised of employees comprised of Employment Counselors, employment aides and other staff. The Employment Counselor II works with teams of individuals to develop and meet goals, objectives, and action plans; creates, monitors and adjusts systems for delivery of services; coordinates procedures with county departments and community agencies; evaluates progress of teams toward achieving goals; identifies and addresses training needs. Maintains a caseload and provides intake, assessment, case management, job readiness/job search preparation, and/or post-employment follow-up services to mandated public assistance recipients. Represents the Department of Social Services by modeling work ethic and professionalism. Serves as an engaged member of the leadership team. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Routinely assesses individual and team progress toward achieving goals and objectives.
Identify inefficiencies and implement strategic change in a timely manner.
Work with teams to monitor and adjust systems including, but not limited to, intake and assessment, activity assignment and attendance monitoring, referrals, case management and supportive services.
Establish rapport with staff by being a credible source of information.
Utilize and develop resources to support staff success.
Play an active role in the development and skillset of staff through effective communication, continued positive guidance and strength recognition.
Review 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 communicate activities required for the participant to remain in program compliance.
Review and access results of standardized tests and identify specific training needs.
Work with job seekers individually and in groups to develop employability plans and restoration to self-sufficiency plans depending on individual circumstances.
Review 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 communicate activities required for the participant to remain in program compliance.
Review and access results of standardized tests and identify specific training needs.
Work 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.
Assign participant to appropriate combination of employment, rehabilitative and treatment activity per NYS guidelines.
Assign participant to appropriate combination of employment, rehabilitative and treatment activity per NYS guidelines.
Complete and submit monthly case reviews and reports by established deadlines.
Maintain current knowledge of Departmental policy.
Reviews cases prior to taking negative action, keeping in mind ADA and LEP accommodations and responsibilities.
Show a high level of positive, interactive engagement with all staff.
Facilitate productive team and monthly 1 to 1 meeting with teammates.
Review and approve leave requests of teammates.
Develops annual team plans and team goals in collaboration with Associate Employment Counselor and teammates.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Proven ability to work as a productive member of a team and as a leader/facilitator of team.
Proven ability to deal effectively with complex, inter-relational government systems like social welfare and employment and training.
Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability and willingness to adapt to the needs of the agency and staff.
Ability to effectively work with diverse staff and personalities.
Working knowledge of concepts of the cultural, environmental, and personal factors influencing the lives of persons who are economically disadvantaged, low income or unemployed.
The ability to engage and coach adults to achieve goals
The ability to manage and prioritize one’s own day to day work requirements in a fast-paced environment.
The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately while maintaining positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
The ability to use independent judgment, critical thinking, and active listening to identify complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions.
Working knowledge of community organizations and human service agencies.
Working knowledge of training and educational programs available through local agencies.
Promotional
One (1) year of permanent competitive service as an Employment Counselor I.
Open Competitive
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Baccalaureate Degree in sociology, psychology, social work, human resources, business or labor/industry relations, or closely related field and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, providing direct service 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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