Employment Counselor Lead

Primary Function of the Position

Under the direction of the Employment Services Manager:  This position is responsible for assisting Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) participants achieve self-sufficiency by providing job search assistance, career counseling and employment case management.  In addition, the Employment Counselor Lead position is expected to perform complex duties related to interviewing and evaluating the employability of program participants, including assessing employment barriers and responsible for assisting the program managers to ensure services are delivered in a holistic, respectful, efficient, and timely manner.  This position is responsible for providing trainings, representing the department/agency internally and externally, directing staff work responsibilities, and monitoring the department’s work to exceed funders’ expectations. 

Position Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and implementation of procedures for employment and training and act as a backup to the program manager
• Manages a case load of MFIP participants and responsible for all activities necessary to determine individual client’s need
• Assist with data reports and ensure staff understand the purpose and utilization of reports
• Assists with coverage for absent workers or vacant positions to ensure workloads are adequately managed
• Cross trained across all HAP programs and services to ensure comprehensive knowledge is gained and provide technical support and articulate MFIP policies and procedures to staff members and participants
• Coaches and teaches the MFIP staff about all new legislation and updates
• Works with the staff to develop ways to meet all of the Ramsey County Performance Measures
• Conduct comprehensive assessment and knowledgeable of HAP’s menu of services so participants have and receive holistic services  
• Assists Program Manager and Director of Workforce Development in funder reporting
• Coach, guide, and direct staff in their work or assign responsibilities as needed
• Conduct sanction outreach including but not limited to home visits, telephone calls, and sending letters to non-compliant participants as well as assist participants with good cause or connect participants with ES counselors by scheduling meeting appointments
• Assess employment services staff understanding of program mandates; develops and delivers training by coordinating trainings with state and county and assist with in house trainings
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to resolve conflicts among staff and participants 
• Conduct regular case audits and ensure corrective actions are appropriately implemented in order to get case files up to standards
• Communicates and understands how to correctly use WorkForce One, MEC2, MAXIS and other data systems
• Interprets regulations and advises other workers in the department about how to handle problematic case situations
• Acts as a central resource person for internal and external customers
• Effectively communicates program time limits, expectations and other program requirements to applicants, external social services providers, and other community resources
• Assists Program Manager in the hiring of new staff by assisting with the interview process
• Assist with Job Developers to arrange for job seekers to participate in informational and mock interviews, company tours, job shadowing, guest speakers and employer network opportunities
• Other duties as assigned, and as needed, to further the goals of the program and in alignment with HAP’s mission.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in community locations, while also performing as part of a part of a team
• The following attributes, experiences, and knowledge are essential: creativity and curiosity, passion and enthusiasm, integrity and empathy, a sense of humor, and a strong professional ethic
• Computer literacy, knowledge of a variety of software, programs and office technologies
• Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills is a must
• Demonstrated ability to manage and track multiple projects/reports simultaneously
• Ability to work with diverse staff and organizations, and provide effective guidance to a multi-lingual and multi-ethnic staff and students
• Effective leadership for insuring the entire department’s integration of programs
• Willingness and capacity to work a flexible schedule and extended hours during periods of intense activity
• Knowledge of the barriers both staff and participants confront on a daily basis and the drive, curiosity and commitment to finding solutions to these barriers
• Broad knowledge and experience in MFIP Employment Services or workforce development
• Excellent skills in communication
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently use systems such as MAXIS Inquiry, MEC2 and WF1.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff 
• General knowledge of: resources in the community and resources to leverage funds
• Experience in case management and conflict resolution

Education and Experience

• Degree in Social Services, Human Services or at least 4 years of MFIP experience
• 2 Years of experience in social services or public assistance, work with diverse  or economically disadvantage populations or hard to serve participants
• Specialized training in Coaching and Motivational Interviewing,
• Knowledge of HAP’s program/services (desired but not required)

Essential Functions

The following position requirements are representative of those that will be encountered while performing the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone and keyboard
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for sustained periods of time in an indoor setting
• Ability to tolerate moderate noise levels (i.e. shared open office space with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Must have the ability to move about the office to access files and office equipment
• Must have access to reliable transportation for occasional travel for meetings at other HAP office locations, events and offsite meetings.
• Occasional moving or lifting of boxes or files up to 20 pounds
• Able to focus on data, analyze the information and draw conclusions
• Frequent interactions with coworkers and participants requiring ability to communicate effectively
• Frequent communication via email requiring ability to fluently read and write in English
• Frequent preparation and analysis of figures

HAP is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Our organization will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership, or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.

Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation should contact us at hr@hmong.org.