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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Employment Counselor

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

Social ServicesHuman ResourcesCounselingNon-ProfitWorkforce Development

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a compassionate and results-driven Employment Counselor to empower individuals in their pursuit of meaningful employment. The ideal candidate is a strategic guide and a dedicated advocate, adept at assessing client needs, developing personalized career plans, and forging strong community partnerships. You will be the cornerstone of our clients' success, providing the tools, resources, and motivational support needed to navigate the modern job market and overcome barriers to employment. This role is perfect for a professional who thrives on making a tangible impact on people's lives and contributing to the economic vitality of the community.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Case Manager
  • Human Resources Assistant / Coordinator
  • Social Work Associate
  • Recruiter

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Employment Counselor
  • Workforce Development Program Manager
  • Career Services Director
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Corporate Recruiter / Talent Acquisition Specialist
  • Academic Advisor
  • HR Generalist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive intake interviews and holistic assessments to identify clients' skills, work history, interests, aptitudes, and significant barriers to employment.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Employment Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with clients, establishing clear, achievable career goals and actionable strategies.
  • Provide intensive one-on-one career counseling and coaching on all aspects of the job search, including resume/cover letter optimization, advanced interviewing techniques, and effective networking strategies.
  • Facilitate engaging and informative group workshops and training sessions on topics such as job readiness, digital literacy, financial planning, and workplace professionalism.
  • Actively build and maintain a robust network of employer partners, community organizations, and government agencies to generate job leads and referral opportunities for clients.
  • Proactively advocate for clients by marketing their skills and qualifications to potential employers, facilitating interviews, and bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.
  • Administer and interpret various vocational assessment tools (e.g., CASAS, TABE, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to help clients gain self-awareness and clarify career direction.
  • Provide continuous post-placement support and follow-up with both clients and employers for at least 90-180 days to ensure job retention, address workplace challenges, and facilitate long-term success.
  • Connect clients to essential wraparound services, including housing assistance, transportation solutions, mental health support, and childcare, to mitigate personal barriers to stable employment.
  • Guide clients through complex online application systems and help them build a professional digital footprint on platforms like LinkedIn.
  • Coach clients on the nuances of salary negotiation, understanding compensation packages, and navigating professional workplace etiquette and culture.
  • Manage a diverse caseload of individuals, effectively prioritizing needs and providing tailored support to clients from various backgrounds, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and the formerly incarcerated.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain accurate, confidential, and detailed client case files and records, meticulously documenting all interactions, progress, and outcomes in the designated case management system (e.g., Salesforce, ETO).
  • Monitor, track, and report on key performance indicators, including client engagement, job placements, wage levels, and retention rates, to meet program goals and funder requirements.
  • Stay abreast of current labor market trends, in-demand industries, and regional economic data to provide clients with relevant and strategic career advice.
  • Participate in community outreach events, job fairs, and informational sessions to recruit eligible participants and promote program services.
  • Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team of case managers, social workers, and other professionals to ensure holistic and coordinated client support.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of program curriculum, workshop materials, and client resource guides.
  • Mediate between clients and employers when necessary to resolve workplace conflicts and foster positive, sustainable employment relationships.
  • Contribute to grant reporting and program evaluation by collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data on client success stories and outcomes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Case Management Software: Proficiency in client data management systems such as Salesforce, ETO, Apricot, or similar platforms.
  • Resume & Cover Letter Writing: Expertise in crafting compelling, modern, and ATS-friendly application documents for a variety of industries.
  • Labor Market Information (LMI) Analysis: Ability to research, interpret, and apply data on employment trends, wage data, and industry growth.
  • Vocational Assessment Tools: Experience administering and interpreting tools like the Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), or ONET.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
  • Digital Job Search Platforms: Mastery of LinkedIn, Indeed, and other niche job boards for sourcing opportunities and building professional profiles.

Soft Skills

  • Motivational Interviewing: Skill in using a client-centered, collaborative communication style to encourage behavioral change and build intrinsic motivation.
  • Empathetic Communication & Active Listening: Ability to build rapport and trust by understanding and responding to clients' verbal and non-verbal cues with compassion.
  • Cultural Competency & Inclusivity: A deep commitment and demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Resilience & Patience: The capacity to remain positive and persistent while guiding clients through challenging and often lengthy job search processes.
  • Strategic Problem-Solving: Adept at identifying core challenges and creatively sourcing solutions and resources to overcome employment barriers.
  • Networking & Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and nurture professional relationships with employers, community partners, and internal teams.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Human Resources, Psychology, or a related field.
  • Certification such as Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) or Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • Human Resources
  • Sociology
  • Counseling
  • Public Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in workforce development, career counseling, case management, recruiting, or social services.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience working with and placing individuals with significant barriers to employment (e.g., justice-involved individuals, long-term unemployed, individuals with disabilities, or those experiencing homelessness).
  • Bilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish, French, Mandarin) are highly desirable and may be required for specific caseloads.
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