Employment Counselor, DES

The Employment Counselor (EC) provides services for job seekers within their Industry Sector Team (IST) to assist them to become job ready in order to achieve their employment goal. The Employment Counselor advises Career Center customers on such matters as job search methods and job interview processes. Reviews and analyzes customer information through records, tests and interviews. Conducts counseling interviews with customers. Describes, explains, and conducts assessments related to eligibility for specific programs. Describes and explains procedures and benefits related to agency programs; delivers workshops and information sessions, maintains liaison with public and private organizations; compiles occupational, educational and other information; maintains timely and comprehensive customer information in the Massachusetts One Stop Employment System (MOSES) database and performs related work as required.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide information, assistance, support, and guidance to customers on such matters as job search methods, job interview process and identifying solutions to real or perceived barriers to employment to enable job seekers to become job ready. Recommend specific courses of action to prepare customers for employment and/or training opportunities.
• Conduct comprehensive assessment of each customer. This assessment includes review and analysis of customer information obtained through records, tests, and interviews to appraise work history, transferable skills, educational background, interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personal characteristics, consideration of labor market information, and determination of marketability.
• In collaboration with the job seeker customer and based on results of comprehensive assessment, develop a career action plan that outlines services, including, but not limited to, education and training, that will lead to achievement of the job seeker’s employment goal.
• Participate in a team approach to determine the customer’s suitability for participation in WIOA, Trade, National Dislocated Worker Grants, and specialty-funded services. When appropriate, determine eligibility for job seeker customers to enroll in these programs. Verify all documents/records to ensure appropriate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping for monitoring and compliance with the DOL regulation and agency policies and procedures.
• Oversee a complex and extensive caseload, which involves maintaining ongoing customer contact (minimum of 30 days) to determine progress of job search and/or training until the customer has found employment. Conduct counseling interviews with jobseekers to provide guidance, suggest approaches and assist them in achieving occupational, educational, or vocational goals in accordance with federal and state law and regulations and agency guidelines.
• Conduct Career Center Seminars and other group services, as needed.
• Conduct RESEA reviews which include intensive one-on-one career action plan and job search review.
• Maintain and document all services and notes in the Massachusetts One Stop Employment System (MOSES) database for monitoring review and compliance.
• Describe, explain, or answer inquiries concerning eligibility, procedures and benefits using agency guidelines to inform customers and other interested parties of agency programs and services.
• Maintain liaison with public and private organizations, including WIOA Partner organizations and community organizations, to promote programs and services, exchange information and develop the resources necessary to provide high quality customer services.
• Compile occupational, educational, and other pertinent information in an assigned industry area to assist customers in determining vocational and educational interests and goals.
• Work in tandem with recruiters to cultivate candidate pipelines and match qualified customers to open positions.
• Work closely with career center business services staff to understand employer needs and organizational structure to facilitate appropriate customer referrals to job orders.
• Perform related duties such as maintaining records, preparing reports and attending meetings, as required.
• Participate in staff development and cross training opportunities that expand and support functional skills and promote professional growth.

Qualifications First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in employment counseling, vocational counseling, guidance, placement counseling, rehabilitation counseling or educational counseling, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the required experience.*

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Official Title: Employment Counselor, DES

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Southbridge-14 Mechanic Street

Job: Community and Social Services

Agency: Department of Workforce Development

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: Mar 26, 2025, 8:57:38 AM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 56,731.74 - 79,440.14 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Dennis Johnson - 6176265111

Bargaining Unit: 01-NAGE - Clerical/Administrative

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No