Employment Counselor

If you enjoy working with people and helping them be successful, this is the job for you. The Workforce Development Division (WDD) at the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is looking for skilled and motivated individuals to fill Employment Counselor I positions. These positions will be located in a Davis or Weber county Employment Center.

 *This position may be filled as an Employment Counselor II for an internal applicant, depending on qualifications.*

This position has a fixed work schedule Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Principal Duties
Employment Counselors deliver a broad range of services to assist case managed customers, job seekers, the general public and their families to resolve barriers and increase skills in order to obtain and maintain employment. Services are focused on individual and family needs and may be provided one-on-one or in group settings. Some positions involve outreach to community partners. Training is provided. These services typically include:

• Assessing needs and educating customers about DWS programs, policies, and services and providing assistance in the application for temporary assistance programs (Food Stamps, Financial, Medicaid, Child Care and Unemployment Insurance).
• Assisting customers with resume creation, networking, mock interviewing and job searching with technology.
• Providing career and educational counseling to empower customers to become more self-sufficient and confident.
• Assessing customers and their families to identify barriers to self-sufficiency, employment, training and income goals.
• Utilizing motivational interviewing techniques to create a supportive environment.
• Developing employment plans with activities leading to achieving goals and/or work readiness, as well as monitoring and evaluating employment plans activities and progress.
• Utilizing labor market information, local resources, referral to community partners and employers to assist customers in meeting their goals.

• Exceptional customer service skills and ability to assist people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact and professionalism, without prejudice or bias.
• The ability to problem solve and identify creative solutions to lead to successful outcomes. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience coordinating with community partners.
• Experience serving individuals experiencing homelessness. 
• The ability to present information clearly and effectively.
• Knowledge of agency programs, community resources and services, local labor market, and job search techniques.
• Education and/or work experience relating to case management, career counseling or social services.

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• DHRM rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current state of Utah employees.