Career Advancement Counselor

The goal of the NH Employment Program (NHEP) is to assist Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participants by providing workforce development services focused on activities that will assist them with achieving continued upward economic mobility.

A Career Advancement Counselor will provide career counseling services to participants in the Earned Income Disregard program and participants in the Post-TANF program that will lead to successful employment outcomes, increase the job retention rate, provide career advancement activities, increase the rate of earnings/wage progression, and support ongoing credential attainment by increasing the number of participants earning an industry recognized certificate.

SUPERVISION: Works under the direct supervision of the Local CAPHR Field Support Manager.

RATE: $21.42

JOB RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Works with the Bureau of Employment Supports (BES) Career Counselors for a smooth transition from the NHEP/TANF program to the Post-TANF Program or the Earned Income Disregard pilot program to ensure all potential participants are aware of the expanded benefits and support services available in both programs.
• Identifies and contacts prospective participants to enroll in the Post-TANF Program.
• Provides program information to prospective participants in order to share the supports that are available to them.
• Assesses participants’ needs and addresses barriers in order to determine their goals and objectives while in the Post-TANF program and the Earned Income Disregard program.
• Provides individualized, transitional, support, employment, training, education, job preparation, barrier resolution, job retention/post-employment, career development/counseling/advancement, and re-employment services to participants.
• Promotes the upskilling of participants to enhance their eligibility for higher wage positions.
• Supports and assists participants in training and credentialing attainment.
• Approves, monitors, and provides support service payments for NHEP Employment & Training Services (ETS) in training, transportation allowances, auto repairs, dental care, uniforms and tools, and child care.
• Meets in the local office, local libraries, community colleges, community resource centers, One Stop Centers, and other establishments that are convenient to participants.
• Makes and documents at least three (3) contact attempts within ten (10) business days of receipt of a new referral, utilizing different contact methods.
• Makes and documents at least two (2) contact attempts per month for Disregard and Post-TANF participants, utilizing different contact methods.
• Enters accurate and complete data for all contacts with participants into the State of NH New HEIGHTS system on the day that the contact was made or service was delivered.
• Participates in required meetings and on-site Monitoring as needed.
• Prepares and submits a monthly programmatic statistical report to the Field Support Manager. Tracks other reports as requested.
• Ability to regularly meet and/or exceed performance goals.
• Will maintain professional boundaries with all current, past, and prospective participants, and maintain the confidentiality of participants and staff, in accordance with CAPHR policy and procedure.
• Abide by all CAPHR and DHHS Safety policies and procedures.
• Present professional and positive image as a representative of CAPHR.
• Responsible for having adequate knowledge of all CAPHR programs and will gather sufficient intake information to make referrals to other CAPHR programs which are beneficial to the participant and his/her family.
• Perform other related duties as required.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

Ability to work as a team member with co-workers or independently; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; develop and maintain effective working relationships with low-income participants, employers, public and private community agency staff, co-workers, and the general public; assess personal characteristics, physical capacities, education, work background, abilities and interests of participants; analyze job openings and other labor market data; motivate and energize individuals to work towards employment goals; basic computer programs such as e-mail and word-processing; computer competency to access employment and job search information on the internet.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Associate’s Degree from a recognized college or university in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Business, or related study is a plus. Minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience in case management, customer service, counseling, social services, human services, or another related field is required. A combination of education and experience that demonstrates an ability to fulfill the duties will also be considered.

LICENSE:

Possession of a valid New Hampshire driver's license and/or have access to transportation for statewide and regional travel. Willingness to travel to/from DHHS District Offices, local libraries, community colleges, community resource centers, One Stop Centers, and other establishments that are convenient to participants, when applicable.