MassHire Department of Career Services (MDCS) oversees the Commonwealth's network of One-Stop Career Centers, that assist businesses in finding qualified workers and providing job seekers with career guidance, as well as referral to jobs and training. MDCS strengthens the Career Center system through continuous improvement processes, and innovative business practices that maximize resources, foster partnerships, and engage employers to ensure a skilled, motivated, and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the emerging labor market needs of the Commonwealth, now and in the future.

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 assessment 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.

The incumbent consistently strives to represent the values of MassHire Southbridge Career Center and EOLWD:

a. Collaboration – Power of partnership and streamlined integration of services to achieve effective and timely results for our Career Center customers.

b. Respect – Commit to understanding and valuing the diverse, unique requirements and professional goals of the businesses and people we serve.

c. Reliability - Create trust and reliability by consistently delivering high-quality professional services at each location and at every interaction.

d. Ingenuity – Leverage flexibility, expertise and knowledge to successfully meet our mission, regardless of new challenges and circumstances that may arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.

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!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.