Jurisdiction: Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class: Competitive

Adopted: 10/20/05

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SPECIAL PROGRAMS COUNSELOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for the development and coordination of

employment and training services for participants enrolled in the program. The incumbent meets with program participants to assess career goals and interests, and develop an appropriate career plan. In addition, the Employment and Training Counselor evaluates participants' personal circumstances in an effort to identify potential barriers to employment and makes the necessary referrals to community service agencies to assist with self‑sufficiency. The work is performed under general supervision with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Meets with participants to develop individualized career plans and an individual service strategy;

Refers participants to necessary community service agencies, such as remedial training programs, financial aid for higher education, and day care assistance;

Coordinates all aspects of activities regarding assistance provided to individual participants, and assesses the effectiveness of the individual service strategy;

Performs a variety of support activities, such as transportation to job interviews, assistance with apartment searches, and making arrangements for child care services;

Identifies possible barriers to employability through interaction with the participant and work site supervisors, and proposes methods of overcoming them;

Meets regularly with work site supervisors to evaluate participants' job performance;

Maintains case notes, updates case files, and prepares reports upon the request of other service agencies;

Assists participants in creating resumes, writing cover letters, and completing job applications;

Coaches participants in developing job search skills, conducts mock interviews, and provides guidance to participants in need of developing proper work habits;

Prepares documentation necessary for the acquisition of appropriate clothing and other materials needed by participants to secure and maintain employment;

Collects and posts information pertaining to employment opportunities within the community;

May monitor program results for effectiveness;

May visit local institutions and educate area residents and employers about programs available through the agency.

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SPECIAL PROGRAMS COUNSELOR – cont’d.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL

CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of the Federal, State and local employment and training rules and regulations;

Good knowledge of services provided by various educational and vocational programs;

Good knowledge of the sources of occupational information related to vocational guidance, training, and placement;

Working knowledge of the cultural, environmental, and personal factors influencing the lives of persons who are economically disadvantaged, low income or unemployed;

Working knowledge of interviewing techniques;

Ability to evaluate participant vocational aptitudes and interests;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Ability to deal effectively with the public;

Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either:

(a) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's degree; or

(b) Graduation from High School or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience in a social service agency, community action or community service agency involving direct client contact; or