Career Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Brownsville, TX

Job Summary:

The Career Coach is responsible for servicing adults and youth (ages 14-24) through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and universal customers.  Services include eligibility verification, case management, assessment and progress monitoring.  This position will also coordinate supportive services and provide follow-up services to ensure that necessary supports are in place.  The target goal for customers served is employment at or above the self-sufficiency wage with job retention tracked for at least one year after exiting the program.

Essential Functions:

• Provide information to potential WIOA participants and verify eligibility for WIOA services.
• Conduct assessments to determine client needs.
• Develop and track employment plans and provide case management for each client.
• Coordinate supportive services such as child care and transportation assistance to eligible customers.
• Conduct follow-up with supportive services providers and clients via phone, mail, home visits, etc.
• Maintain consistent contact with participants as appropriate to monitor a participant’s progress towards their goals.
• Prepare, submit and monitor case file documentation throughout the duration of client participation in the program, ensuring that data is entered into TWIST system in an accurate and timely manner.
• Work closely with other staff to ensure participants’ goals are met.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of customer records.
• May facilitate group orientations.

Other Functions:

• Travel to attend meetings, training, outreach and other activities.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Baccalaureate degree (preferred), plus a minimum one year in case management or customer service or may be substituted with 60 credit hours with 3 years full time qualifying experience. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.  Must have own transportation to use in the performance of duties.  Maintaining a professional appearance and attire is required.

Preferred Skills and experience:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software with ability to data enter and extract information from a computer system and a wide variety of written materials such as forms, resource lists, and case records in an accurate and timely manner.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated customer service skills, and familiarity with the communities being served, with knowledge and understanding of local needs and resources.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Certificates and Licenses Required:

A valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license and reliable means of transportation

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate both verbally and in written form to express and exchange ideas.
• While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee must be able to access all components of work station and other office equipment.
• Frequent typing, writing, bending and twisting.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment:

Includes both a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, and local travel, including exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather conditions, and occasional environmental hazards