Vocational Counselor

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.

Responsibilities

• Leading 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
• Preparing clients for marketplace jobs with a series of job readiness classes.
• Encouraging and motivating clients throughout the job search process.
• Assisting with the job application process, including preparing and practicing for interviews.
• Building relationships with area employers and developing specific job leads.
• Identifying free and low-cost training or educational opportunities.
• Providing clients with ongoing support for employment retention success.
• Collaborating 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 a plus.
• Comfortable using the database, Dynamics 365, to record clients' progress.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

• Bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office365 (Word, Excel and Outlook), Zoom, and Teams.
• Effective organizational skills in documentation, service planning, and follow-up.
• 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.

Benefits

• Access to subsidized medical, dental, and vision costs for employees and their families.
• Employer paid long-term disability insurance as well as life and AD&D insurance.
• Option to purchase supplemental benefits that are fully portable, including short-term disability insurance, critical illness insurance, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to employees.