EMPLOYMENT AND VOCATIONAL SPECIALIST
30455
(Competitive)
Distinguishing Features of the Class
In collaboration with Associate Director of Employment Programs, will develop vocational offerings to meet specific caseload needs. The work is performed under general supervision of a higher-level administrative supervisor with latitude allowed for more independence of action than that granted to Employment Counselor I. Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. The work involves responsibility for coordinating the management, development, implementation and supervision of vocational assessment, counseling and placement services including job preparation and/or special employment services, client assessment and counseling and placement. The incumbent contacts and networks with public agencies and private employers to provide clients with technical skills, remedial education and/or job-related skills to enhance their opportunities for employment. In addition, an employee in this class also conducts individual or group vocational counseling and instructional sessions in specialized informational areas. Special services may include design, development or implementation of new programs or modification to existing programs to meet the vocational and employment related needs of clients. Does related work as required.
Typical Work Activities
Develop, utilize and administer available screening tools to identify appropriate candidates for vocational preparation and employment related workshops.
Assume case management through assessment, career exploration, recruitment and registration through program completion and employment placement.
Counsel clients to enhance skill levels or correct behaviors that would lead to higher income positions or employment changes that would lead to a higher quality of life.
Provides comprehensive case management to specialized populations identified by program goals.
Collects, evaluates, and documents attendance and client progress.
Educates staff, recruit participants, prescreens candidates and develops vocational plans with clients.
Coordinates vocational skills assessment, counseling services, remedial education and job preparation training programs and special employment services for clients.
Collaborates with Employment Counselor I’s to screen and assign clients to vocational preparation workshops.
Collects and maintains current information regarding vocational offerings and resources in the community. Creates, disseminates, and markets information in a visually appealing manner to Employment Program staff and clients.
Serves as liaison with local educational, private industry and local representatives involved in employment and training development, remedial education, and training.
Supervises and performs vocational evaluation services for clients by conducting interviews, scheduling/overseeing TABE and pre-TABE screening. Liaison with other activity providers to schedule additional training elements as available.
Supervises and performs vocational counseling services to develop the client's job seeking skills; develops supportive services to enhance a client's ability to work.
Maintains required statistical reporting data and prepares reports by established deadlines.
Performs vocational guidance functions at an advanced level in areas where clients have social, adjustment, or personal problems which could affect program performance or success.
Serves as contact and liaison with public and private vocational employers, educational systems, WIOA partners, school districts, BOCES, SUNY EOC, NYS Department of Labor, CenterState CEO and other Workforce Development partners
Reviews results of economic studies of labor to determine skills and occupations which would maximize client opportunities leading to self-sufficiency.
Will assist with the development of training curriculum to prepare clients for admission to vocational education. Development will include adaptations of current curriculum utilized by the Onondaga County Re-Entry Task Force, tools utilized by WIOA, NYS Dept of Labor, and other resources to provide preparation for careers related to the vocational fields.
Coordinate and lead special projects as assigned; work with relevant internal and external personnel to ensure project goals are delineated, proper referrals and eligibility requirements are in place, services are provided according to plan, and all tracking and reporting requirements have been met.
Collaborate with other Employment Program staff including the Job Development team.
Coordinate screening for individuals, including SCSD/TABE testing,
Pre-TABE activity to bring literacy levels up to meet standards for current vocational offerings.
Maintains current knowledge of departmental policy.
Keeps informed of federal, state and local Temporary Assistance and SNAP regulation and policy.
Abides by all Title VI, ADA/LEP accommodations and responsibilities.
Utilizes tools to evaluate learning and learning transfer; utilize standard data collection methods and evaluations. Administer pre and post-tests to show success of training.
Utilize Adult Learning Theories and Experiential Learning Cycle in all aspects of training and sharing of information with participants.
Facilitates employment and vocational preparation workshops. Provides comprehensive case management to participants.
Makes field visits as required.
Full Performance Knowledges, Skills, Abilities & Personal Characteristics
Maintains a working knowledge of the local job market, including occupational conditions and trends.
Working knowledge of techniques used in employment opportunity development, on-the-job training development and job placement.
Working knowledge of services provided in a local Employment and Training Program.
Familiarity with sources of occupational information related to employment and vocational training.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with colleagues, community-based organizations, program participants, and others as determined appropriate to meet program goals.
Ability to administer, proctor and score standardize tests.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Good knowledge of community support services and resources, service agencies and school district programs that can be utilized in planning for the vocational client.
Good knowledge of educational and local employment and training rules, regulation, and policy.
Ability to plan, coordinate and evaluate a variety of career, occupation or job skills training and job placement programs.
Ability to provide case management to clients in vocational preparation workshops and training.
Proven ability to work effectively with complex, inter-relational government systems.
Experience creating and presenting structured training initiatives.
Ability to use independent judgment, critical thinking, and active listening to identify complex problems, and implement solutions.
Ability to motivate and keep clients engaged while working 1:1 and in groups.
Ability to learn, understand and utilize various types of IT systems.
Demonstrated sensitivity to and respect for those who are disadvantaged.
Minimum Qualifications
Promotional
Five (5) years of permanent competitive service as an Employment Counselor I
Open Competitive
May 2022 Written