Vocational Counselor

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Title:                 Vocational Counselor

Program:         Third Street/Kenton Hall - Next Step  

The Vocational Counselor will be responsible for the pre-employment services provided at the Third Street and Kenton Hall homeless shelters for men (located around the corner from each other). They will conduct vocational assessments, develop and implement service plans to remove barriers to employment, coordinate referrals to Project Renewal’s job training programs, and support clients throughout the job readiness process.  The Vocational Counselor will also facilitate the on-site Pre-Employment Internship Program (PIP), as well as supervise the support staff providing vocational case management services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Business Manager of the Next Step program, duties include:

  • Assessing client vocational skills, strengths, and barriers to employment.

  • Determining level of job readiness and subsequent services.

  • Coordinating client services with the team (including Case Managers, Entitlement Specialists, Coordinators, & Peer Specialists) to remove barriers to employment.

  • Conducting career exploration and vocational counseling.

  • Developing realistic training and employment goals for those who indicate employment as a priority.

  • Discussing with clients how employment will impact their benefits.

  • Helping clients prepare resumes and obtain references.

  • Referring job-ready clients to Next Step, Culinary Arts Training Program, Pre-Employment Internship Program, ACCES-VR, or other job training providers as needed.

  • Following up on referrals made and client progress/compliance.

  • Supporting clients throughout the Pre-Employment Internship Program (PIP), as well as other job training and placement programs.

  • Providing job retention and re-placement support to employed residents.

  • Facilitating group workshops as needed.

  • Tracking and reporting on program data and outcomes.

  • Consistently meeting contract goals and outcomes.

  • Entering accurate and timely client information, progress, and documentation into required databases and case records.

  • Participating in various staff meetings and client trainings at Next Step, Third Street, and Kenton Hall.

  • Providing day-to-day supervision to junior staff members.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelors Degree is required

  • Must have at least 2 years of experience in vocational counseling or workforce development serving special populations including adults with histories of homelessness, substance use, criminal backgrounds, and/or serious mental illness.

  • Experience with conducting vocational assessments is strongly preferred, as well as knowledge of public benefits and entitlements.

  • Strong communication and computer skills are a must. Must also take initiative and be a team player.

 

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

 

To apply: e-mail resume with cover letter indicating position and salary requirements to: careers@projectrenewal.org