What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Counselor position at County of Wake, NC?
What You'll Be Doing
Consider joining
#TeamWake, where you can make a difference in the community while working for
an employer that values you! Comprehensive benefits and wellness programs are
the rewards that go beyond the paycheck, including a 5% employer contribution
to NC 401(k); on-site Employee Health Centers; employee assistance programs;
and medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options. The County also offers
a generous paid leave program, furthering its commitment to supporting
employees and their families, both inside and outside of work.
Do you want to help
families in Wake County thrive? Work First is North Carolina's plan to help
families stay off of welfare or transition from welfare into jobs. We are
seeking an exceptional Employment Counselor to be a member of
the Work First Employment Services Team. The Employment Counselor empowers the
client’s movement towards self-sufficiency through counseling and advocacy.
Employment location can
be at either the Eastern Regional Center in Zebulon, the Northern Regional
Center in Wake Forest, Southern Regional Center in Fuquay-Varina, or the
Swinburne location in Raleigh.
Primary duties will be:
- Providing intensive case management, basic family counseling, reporting, monitoring, and preparing family centered assessments
- Assessing a family's needs thoroughly, educating participants on life-changing decisions, disseminating employment information, and eliminating barriers
- Coordinating for the provision of supportive services for families in temporary financial crisis, with the goal of economic self-sufficiency
- Attending to needs of walk-in participants and phone calls from the public
- Arranging vocational testing, short-term training leading to employment, and childcare and transportation as needed; making referrals to community resources and conducting site visits to homes, schools and jobs
- Developing the Mutual Responsibility Agreement and utilizing various state reports to monitor compliance with federal and state regulations
NOTE: Wake County Health and Human Services employees are required to be in their current role for a minimum of one (1) year to be eligible to apply for another Health and Human Services position. Upon acceptance of employment you acknowledge that (i) you will rescind your application for any other positions within Wake County Health and Human Services, (ii) if you work in the Health Clinics and Public Health Division, influenza immunization is a condition of initial and continued employment, subject to compliance with federal law.
About Our Team
Wake County Health and Human Services (WCHHS) is the consolidation of programs and services that include social services, public health, job search assistance, child support, and transportation. Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to facilitate full access to high quality and effective health and human services for Wake County residents. In addition to our numerous standard programs, Wake County Health and Human Services (WCHHS) is engaged in a number of special initiatives that are impacting services and programs throughout our entire agency. Whether legislated down from the changing regulations on the Federal or State level or bubbling up from the entrepreneurial spirit of our staff, you can always look forward to Wake County Health and Human Services implementing new and exciting enhancements to our services and programs. Work First is North Carolina's plan to help families stay off welfare or move off welfare and into jobs. Work First is built upon the belief that all people have a responsibility to their families and community to work and provide for their children.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- Bachelor's degree
- Two years of job-related experience
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- Employment counseling experience
- One (1) year or more of Work First Program employment counseling experience in a State or County Department of Social Services or one (1) year of case management and income eligibility experience within a Wake County Health and Human Services Economic Self-Sufficiency program and NCFAST experience
- Bilingual (Spanish /English) preferred
- Experience with counseling clients in crisis situations
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle frequent client contact
- Ability to convey information both orally and written, to individuals or groups in a clear and concise manner
- Knowledge of Work First Employment Services
- Proficiency in NCFAST
- Excellent interviewing and assessment skills, with ability to counsel clients in crisis situations
- Knowledge of community resources
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable in an environment with frequent changes
About This Position
Location: Human Services Center Swinburne 350 East Holding Ave., Wake Forest, NC 27587
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:15 am - 5:15 pm
Hiring Range: $20.81 - $28.10, commensurate with experience
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 4/23/2023
What Makes Wake Great
Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.57 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
Salary : $21 - $28