Employment Counselor

ABOUT HIRED

At Hired, we believe every person is one good job away from a stable and promising future. We specialize in supporting individuals whose opportunities have been shaped by historic and systemic inequities. We strive to provide coaching and skill-building opportunities at every step of their journey while helping individuals stabilize by meeting their basic needs and navigating systems of support. Through the culmination of these efforts, we believe will ultimately enable them to provide for their families, advance in their career, and pursue their purpose.

We look for these skills in a talented individual to join our team and strive to cultivate an environment that harnesses the collective power of these values and experiences each team member brings in pursuit of Hired's mission and values. Hire's mission is to nurture purpose and advance economic opportunity for all through individualized employment and career services. Our values include: 

• Putting People First
• Going the Extra Mile 
• Advancing Equity
• Working Together

In addition to competitive salaries, Hired offers work/life balance supported by a hybrid schedule and a generous paid time off program that includes vacation, personal & health, 3 floating holidays and 12 observed holidays.  Other benefit offerings include Health & Dental; Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); Employer Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance; 401(K) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution; Voluntary Life, Vision, Legal Insurance, and employee referral program.

HIRED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, familial status, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of the Employment Counselor is to build strong relationships and assist families enrolled in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) in exploring employment, education, and training opportunities that lead to careers that achieve financial independence. The Employment Counselor commits to support participants with a strength based, family centered approach by using creativity and problem-solving to overcome barriers and reduce racial disparities. A vehicle, driver's license and insurance are required. Hired offers a hybrid schedule working from home and the office. 

 Day in the life: In a typical day, an Employment Counselor can expect to...

• Build relationships that are open, honest, respectful, and ethical.  
• Ensure services provided utilize best practices and are culturally responsive.
• Using SMART goals to provide a plan to long-term self-sufficiency.
• Assess and evaluate a participant's physical, mental, family wellbeing, and safety concerns.
• Provide job placement assistance and career counseling resulting in optimal employment outcomes for participants average caseload size). 
• Partner with the Training, Education and Training team to support individual career goals.
• Deliver seamless and comprehensive services to participants using flexible meeting options (out in the community, phone, email, virtual, home visits, etc.). 
• Provide community resources and program services timely to meet participant needs resulting in positive outcomes for families served. 
• Provide financial assistance to participants to help them achieve their goals, following established guidelines.
• Serve as the liaison for participants and other partners (county, agencies, or community partners). 
• Organize, track, and report essential caseload information on a regular basis to support program and organizational goals (i.e. case note, data reporting, etc.).
• Maintain electronic case files and case file documentation.
• Support Hired's work and mission by engaging in special projects, committees, etc.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to work effectively with people of all cultures, economic and educational backgrounds to establish trusting relationships with participants. 
• Skill in counseling/coaching techniques to assist participants in achieving their goals.
• Ability to problem solve with the resources provided to meet participant needs in a timely manner.
• Ability to discern and coordinate the delivery of support services needed by participants.  
• Written communication skills that is timely, courteous, and concise to avoid misunderstanding or misinformation.
• Oral communications skills that display respect, attentive listening, active participation, and appropriate body language. 
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize work to meet the demands of casework. 
• Efficient organizational and planning skills to meet the demands of casework and electronic case noting. 
• Computer proficiency or the ability to learn (examples: Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases)
• A vehicle, driver's license and insurance are required.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Global Career Development Facilitator Certification preferred or ability to become certified.
• Two or more years of experience providing vocational/employment counseling, case management, vocational rehabilitation, supported work settings, community mental health, or chemical dependency services.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Able to sit for extended periods, perform computer and data entry functions. Use of general office equipment to include telephone, computer, copier, fax, and other office equipment. Additional physical requirements that occur may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

May vary, semi-sedentary involving office and fieldwork.  Requires flexible schedule and ability to provide services at various locations, sometimes out of regular business hours.  

 OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES/DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC:

• Keep abreast of county, state, and federal program policies. Maintain high level of skill and expertise through professional development and continuing education.
• Collaborate with other agencies for program activities.
• Maintain awareness of current labor market information.

 OTHER EXPECTATIONS

• Participate in Hired internal and external activities and groups in addition to essential job functions.
• Attend and actively participate in organization sponsored and external trainings in the development of cultural competency/sensitivity.
• Carry out all job responsibilities in the spirit of equity and inclusion.
• Desire to develop and grow intercultural competency.