Career Advisor I

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides comprehensive career assessments (including professional level customers and to individuals with substantial barriers to employment) to determine occupational interests and aptitude. Identifies training and development needs, current level of vocational skills, employment history, interests, and abilities to assist jobseekers in understanding career options based on their long-term career goals.
• Influences and empowers job seekers and program participants to find employment. This includes recommending helpful workforce programs and services at the local, state, and federal level that customers are eligible to participate and enroll in. Conducts intake process and completes program eligibility for grant funded programs.
• Guides job seekers through the career development & exploration process. Helps determine occupational interests and abilities using a wide range of workforce tools, such as aptitude assessments, interviewing techniques, resume writing, and other career planning services.
• Provides useful and relevant labor market information to include, but not limited to, opportunities, qualifications, and expected pay in various industries to help customers develop actionable and realistic career goals.
• Educates participants on job search skills and industry trends to get them prepared for employment. Uses electronic and other resources to help customers make career and job search decisions. Directly assists jobseekers with resume development, simulated mock interviews, and developing successful job search strategies.
• Provides information regarding training opportunities and educational/training vendors based on jobseeker interest. Also provides customer information on other financial aid and scholarships available.
• Refers participants to training opportunities (occupational skills training, work-based training, apprenticeship) for employability skills and other professional development opportunities.
• Prepares & submits Individual Training Account (ITA), work-based training requests, and/or supportive service requests timely.
• Continuously evaluates customers’ needs and provides referrals/connections to internal or external support services to help overcome challenges and obstacles that could undermine the jobseekers’ academic or career success.
• Maintains continuous contact with customers in caseload to provide on-going career services, case management, career advising, and regularly monitors progress to ensure completion of academic or occupational goals.
• Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with internal team members, the public and external partners.
• Partners with business solutions unit within career centers to help identify employment opportunities for participants.
• Proactively screens and refers participants to job opportunities they are qualified for with focus on training-related development.
• Proactively seeks ways to improve workforce services to meet labor market needs.
• Manages customer information and enters required data (service codes and case notes) into the management information system(s) in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned and fulfills responsibilities as required.
• Ensures that case files meet/exceed all local, state, and federal quality assurance requirements.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

• Knowledge of workforce development, economic development, and project management.
• Knowledge of effective conflict resolution practices, or individual case management and career counseling.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, technology, and computer skills.
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work with diverse customers with unique needs and communication styles.
• Can effectively handle or resolve stressful or challenging situations with difficult customers. Is sensitive to customer needs and feelings and demonstrates concern for others.
• Excellent case management, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, Board staff, and the public.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associates or Undergraduate degree preferred.
• Previous related workforce experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurance required.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.