Employment Counselor

POSITION TITLE: Employment Counselor – Youth Program

REPORTS TO: Youth Program Director

STARTING WAGE: $22.00 per hour

ABOUT HIRED

At Hired, we believe every person is one good job away from a stable and promising future. We specialize in supporting individuals whose opportunities have been shaped by historic and systemic inequities. We strive to provide coaching and skill-building opportunities at every step of their journey while helping individuals stabilize by meeting their basic needs and navigating systems of support. Through the culmination of these efforts, we believe will ultimately enable them to provide for their families, advance in their career, and pursue their purpose.

We look for these skills in a talented individual to join our team and strive to cultivate an environment that harnesses the collective power of these values and experiences each team member brings in pursuit of Hired’s mission and values. Hire’s mission is to nurture purpose and advance economic opportunity for all through individualized employment and career services. Our values include:

• Putting People First
• Going the Extra Mile
• Advancing Equity
• Working Together

In addition to competitive salaries, Hired offers work/life balance supported by a hybrid schedule and a generous paid time off program that includes 3 weeks vacation, 2 weeks personal & health, 3 floating holidays and 12 observed holidays. Other benefit offerings include Health plan that offers free health visits and over 500 free medical prescriptions, dental,; Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); Employer Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance; 401(K) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution; Voluntary Life, Vision, Legal Insurance, and employee referral program.

HIRED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position will work with disconnected youth ages 14-24-year-old disconnected youth who have been juvenile justice involved, are precariously housed/homeless, and have multiple barriers in their lives. The counselor’s role is to assist them in re-engaging in school and/or the workforce. The counselor will assist participants to graduate from high school or obtain a GED and will assist high school graduates in exploring and enrolling in post-secondary or short-term training programs. Work is done at the office, in schools, in the community and in the home. Must be willing to do home visits or meet youth in the community. Insured vehicle and valid driver’s license are required for this position.

Responsible for the recruiting, case management, employment counseling and coordination of career and support services for enrolled program participants seeking reemployment and/or economic self-sufficiency.

Responsible for a designated caseload while meeting all critical performance goals including position performance goals and program contract goals.

POSTION REQUIREMENTS

• One (1) to three (3) years of related experience required.
• Insured vehicle and valid driver’s license required for efficient mobility within the community.
• Skill in written and oral communication using text, emails, telephone and in person.
• Ability to work effectively with others; youth, colleagues, and community partners.
• Effective skills in teaching/coaching individuals ages 14-24 years.
• Efficient organizational and planning skills to manage cases load while meeting performance goals.
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize work to serve youth and meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to respond constructively to rapid change.
• Ability to lead by example and to mentor and guide individuals ages 14 – 24 years.
• Ability to send and receive emails, type inputs, manage a calendar, upload, and save files.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Recruitment/Enrollment/Assessment

• Comfortable with being in community and actively seek out appropriate and eligible young people to engage in Hired programming.
• Conduct or assist in conducting group or one-on-one program information overviews for potential participants.
• Determine program eligibility of participants through formal and informal inquiry and screening, complete enrollment paperwork per program requirements, conduct or assist in conducting formal enrollment sessions.
• Assess and evaluate participant’s physical, social, vocational, educational and employment situation to determine participant strengths and identify barriers.
• Administer appropriate assessment and screening tools per program requirements or guidelines.

Case Management

• In consultation with participant, develop reasonable, realistic short and long-term goals.
• Develop an appropriate plan with specific timelines and measurable goals.
• Provide ongoing coaching and employment counseling.
• Refer participant to internal and external resources, assist in coordinating resources. Consult with service providers inclusive of but not exclusive of providers in mental health, child protection, financial assistance, advocacy, probation, education, and housing.
• Coordinate support services such as housing, transportation, childcare, work related needs. Make appropriate referrals for services when necessary.
• Collaborate with other employment service providers, businesses, community agencies and educational institutions on behalf of participants.
• Monitor and report on participant progress.
• Maintain compliance with program contract requirements and program policies.
• Maintain participant confidentiality; adhere to Federal Data Privacy laws.
• Maintain case files and case file documentation inclusive of but not exclusive of the following (per program requirements): Eligibility verification/identification; Employment and training/education planning, implementation, and outcome; Support services; Resource/services referral; Regular, ongoing case noting.
• Facilitate or assist in facilitating group activities related to employment, career/education planning and implementation.

File Management/Reporting

• Utilize required databases in case management.
• Perform computerized data entry per program requirements inclusive of but not exclusive or (funder) WF1 tracking and case noting, internal data entry, participant data entry, financial and program specific reports.
• Respond to requests for report and case file reconciliation in a timely manner and take appropriate action.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES/DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC:

• Keep abreast of county, state, and federal program policies. Maintain high level of skill and expertise through professional development and continuing education.
• Collaborate with other agencies for program activities.
• Maintain awareness of current labor market information.
• Meet all program goals as outlined in contract
• Fulfill obligations as mandated reporter.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

• Understand and support Hired mission.
• Adheres to Hired standard of conduct and policies as stated in the Employee Handbook.
• Maintain a strong work ethic that ensures honesty, conscientiousness, and dependability.
• Assist, mentor and cooperate with others to encourage professional development.
• Adapt and adjust to work environment of change, uncertainty, and ambiguity.
• Participate in Hired internal and external activities and groups in addition to essential job functions.
• Attend and actively participate in organization sponsored and external trainings in the development of cultural competency/sensitivity.
• Carry out all job responsibilities in the spirit of equity and inclusion.
• Desire to develop and grow intercultural competency.