Employment Counselor, DES

The Department of Career Services (DCS) oversees the Commonwealth's network of One-Stop Career Centers, that assist businesses in finding qualified workers and providing job seekers with career guidance, as well as referral to jobs and training. DCS strengthens the Career Center system through continuous improvement processes, and innovative business practices that maximize resources, foster partnerships, and engage employers to ensure a skilled, motivated, and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the emerging labor market needs of the Commonwealth, now and in the future.

The Employment Counselor will advise clients on such matters as job search methods and job interview process; review and analyze client information through records, tests and interviews; conduct counseling interviews with clients; describe, explain or answer inquiries concerning eligibility, procedures and benefits related to agency programs; maintain liaison with public and private organizations; compile occupational, edu­cational and other information; and perform related work as required.  The basic purpose of this work is to assist clients in determining and achieving individual vocational, educational and/or training goals.

Duties Include:

• Advises clients, on such matters as job search methods, job interview process and/or dealing with social problems to motivate clients and to recommend specific courses of action to prepare clients for employment and/or training opportunities.
• Reviews and analyzes client information through records, tests, and interviews to appraise interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personal characteristics, to determine eligibility for agency programs and services and to determine the most appropriate individual voca­tional, educational and/or training goals based on client needs and available services.
• Conducts counseling interviews with clients to guide them, to suggest approaches and to assist them in achieving occupational, educational, or vocational goals according to agency guidelines.
• Describes, explains, or answers inquiries concerning eligibility, procedures and benefits using agency guidelines to inform clients and other interested parties of agency programs and services.
• Maintains liaison with public and private organizations, including community organizations, to promote agency programs and services, to exchange information and to develop the resources necessary to provide client services.
• Compiles occupational, educational, and other pertinent information to assist clients in determining vocational and educational interests and goals.
• Confers with agency staff to exchange information and to ensure that employers' job orders are serviced promptly and properly.
• Performs related duties such as maintaining records, preparing reports, and attending meetings.

IN THE CASE OF A PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY, THE SALARY PROVISIONS OF THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL BE UTILIZED FOR PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SALARY RANGE.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: 

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in employment counseling, vocational counseling, guidance, placement counseling, rehabilitation counseling or educational counseling, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  

Substitutions:  

I. A bachelor's or higher degree with a major in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the required experience. *  

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.  

Special Requirements: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Salary : $59,024 - $82,650