Vocational Counselor
Full-time, exempt position within the Vocational Services department, reporting to the Director of Vocational Services.
About the role
The Vocational Services Program at Interfaith Works equips people transitioning out of homelessness and other low-income residents of Montgomery County to achieve economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment, while meeting the needs of employers by providing qualified, dependable employees looking to build long-term careers. We are seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English) Vocational Counselor to join our team. Our approach is based on always putting our clients first while simultaneously coaching them through a job search process that is disciplined, focused, and requires client engagement and accountability.
Responsibilities
- Lead vocational clients through a targeted job search process, including an intensive one-on-one counseling and coaching program, to build job search skills and confidence, and encourage accountability.
- Prepare clients for marketplace jobs with a series of job readiness classes.
- Encourage and motivate clients throughout the job search process.
- Assist with the job application process, including preparing and practicing for interviews.
- Build relationships with area employers and develop specific job leads.
- Identify free and low-cost training or educational opportunities.
- Provide clients with ongoing support for employment retention success.
- Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and other service providers to achieve optimal outcomes for all clients.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and presentation skills.
- Valid driver's license and safe and reliable transportation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office365 (Word, Excel, and Outlook), Zoom, and Teams.
- Effective organizational skills in documentation, service planning, and follow-up.
- Fluency in Spanish is required.
- Comfortable using the database, Dynamics 365, to record clients' progress.
Qualifications
- A minimum of one-year experience working with low-income populations or with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred.
- Experience in preparing effective resumes and cover letters is preferred.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a high-functioning team; creative problem-solving, and capacity to multitask and prioritize.
- Knowledge of supported employment programs for clients with co-occurring disorders, mental illness, or other lifelong disabilities is a plus.
- Knowledge of the DC Metropolitan Area labor market and familiarity with local industries and sectors is a plus.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
- While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen.
- The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Benefits
- 14 paid holidays and 21 days of PTO.
- Subsidized medical, dental, and vision costs for employees and their families (full-time employees only).
- Employer-paid long-term disability insurance as well as life and AD&D insurance (full-time employees only).
- Option to purchase supplemental benefits that are fully portable, including short-term disability insurance and critical illness insurance.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to all employees.
Pay
$45,000 - $50,000