Career Advisor I

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive career assessments 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.
• Recommends 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.
• Promotes and 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.
• Able 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.