Employment Counselor - Men's Community Transition Service Center (MCTSC)

Job Summary

The Employment Counselor provides employment readiness, career planning, and supportive services to justice-involved participants at the Men's Community Transition Service Center (MCTSC) and Swigart Supportive Housing. The role focuses on reducing employment barriers, promoting self-sufficiency, and supporting successful community reintegration. The counselor also coordinates with WCS Employment & Training Services to enroll eligible participants in the FoodShare Employment & Training (FSET) program and ensure compliant, effective service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct individualized employment assessments to identify career goals, skill levels, strengths, and employment barriers.
• Develop tailored employment plans that outline job readiness activities, training opportunities, and job placement steps.
• Provide coaching on resume writing, interviewing, workplace expectations, and soft skill development.
• Facilitate employment readiness workshops, group sessions, and job clubs for residents at both facilities.
• Coordinate referrals to vocational training, apprenticeships, education programs, and community-based employers.

• Screen & Recruit participants for FoodShare eligibility and provide guidance on the FSET enrollment process, in coordination with WCS Employment and Training Services. Ensure participants meet program expectations and follow through with scheduled services, training, and job searches, coordinating service delivery with WCS Employment and Training Services.
• Collaborate with WCS Employment and Training Services to ensure seamless service delivery and compliance with guidelines.

• Assist participants with obtaining essential documents (IDs, Social Security card, work authorization, etc.).
• Address barriers to employment, including transportation, legal issues, and digital literacy.
• Support reentry success through life-skills coaching, community referrals, and ongoing encouragement.
• Monitor participant progress and provide crisis intervention or problem-solving support when needed.

• Build and maintain partnerships with local employers willing to hire justice-involved individuals.
• Coordinate hiring events, employer presentations, and job placement activities.
• Act as a liaison between participants, employers, and community partners to support job retention.

• Maintain complete and timely documentation in accordance with agency, DOC, and FSET requirements.
• Prepare reports, track outcomes, and provide data for audits or program evaluations.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with all policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
• Associate or bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience:
• 2- 3 years of experience working with justice-involved individuals, reentry programs, workforce development, or case management preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database or case-management systems.
• Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms and digital communication tools.
• Communication Skills:
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate groups, lead workshops, and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Background:
• Must pass a criminal background check and meet requirements for working in correctional or community settings.
• Licensing & Transportation:
• Valid driver's license.
• Reliable transportation and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Organizational Skills: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines efficiently.

Technical Proficiency: Skilled in computer operations, data entry, and typing (minimum 45 WPM). Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; comfortable with online platforms and communication tools.

Communication Skills: Ability to build positive relationships with employers, training providers, and community partners. Strong networking skills to broaden employment opportunities for participants.

Time Management: Ability to manage a large caseload and prioritize multiple deadlines. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding participant information in accordance with agency policy, HIPAA, and DOC requirements.

Analytical Skills: Ability to assess participant needs, evaluate barriers, and identify appropriate interventions. Capable of reviewing employment trends and making informed referrals.

Problem-Solving: Skilled in supporting participants through challenges related to employment, reentry, and personal barriers. Able to adapt plans to meet individual needs while maintaining program compliance.

Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment. Flexibility when working with individuals in various stages of reentry and readiness.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 20 lbs. (e.g., workshop supplies or documents).
• Ability to travel between facilities and community partners.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work performed in correctional residential centers, office settings, and community locations.
• Regular interaction with justice-involved individuals requires professionalism, respect, and non-judgment