Career Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Career Counselor provides individualized career counseling, employment support, and workforce development services to Cambridge residents ages 18 and older, with an emphasis on supporting low-income residents, people of color, and individuals facing barriers to employment. Working as part of a collaborative and community-centered employment services team within the Department of Human Service Programs, the position conducts intake and assessment activities;

develops individualized employment and career action plans; provides resume, interview, and job application assistance; connects participants to training, education, and supportive service resources; and maintains accurate case documentation and program records. The Career Counselor supports residents across a broad range of occupations and industries and requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural responsiveness, patience, flexibility, and the ability to provide respectful, equitable, and participant-centered services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

* Conduct employment intake assessments, orientations, and individualized career evaluations to identify clients' employment needs, goals, barriers, and service needs.

* Develop individualized action plans collaboratively with clients outlining current employment status, career goals, and the services and strategies needed to achieve them.

* Provide guidance and support to clients in preparing resumes, cover letters, applications, and other job-search materials and in identifying, evaluating, and applying for employment opportunities aligned with their skills, interests, experience, and career goals.

* Establish and maintain referral partnerships with adult education, workforce training, employment service providers, and community-based social service agencies, and connect clients to resources that support employment, economic stability, and career advancement.

* Collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary employment services team, including the Adult Employment Director, Career Counseling Coordinator, Career Counselors, Job Developers, and other program staff and partners.

* Maintain accurate and timely electronic and paper case records, documentation, periodic caseload reports, and related program records in accordance with program and funding requirements.

* Design, manage, and improve ETO reports, reporting tools, electronic forms, data systems, and workflow tools to support adult employment programs, caseload management, data collection, program planning, and service delivery.

* Identify and resolve data, reporting, electronic form, and system errors to improve the accuracy, accessibility, and relevance of program information.

* Train staff on the use of ETO, electronic forms, reports, and related data systems to support consistent documentation, reporting, and caseload management.

* Assist with program planning and design in collaboration with the Career Counseling Coordinator, Adult Employment Director, Director of the Office of Workforce Development, and other program staff.

* Facilitate employment-related workshops, orientations, and group presentations as assigned.

* Participate in community meetings, outreach activities, and events to promote program services and engage prospective clients and partners.

* Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience

* Bachelor's degree in counseling, human services, social work, psychology, education, workforce development, or a closely related field preferred.

* Three (3) years of demonstrated professional experience in employment and training, career counseling, workforce development, social services, or a related human services field, including experience working with adults, low-income clients, and individuals from multicultural backgrounds to define and achieve employment goals.

* An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Knowledge of current workforce needs, labor market trends, job-search tools, and employment strategies.

* Knowledge of career counseling, workforce development, employment planning, and supportive service referral practices.

* Strong verbal and written communication skills.

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of an employment services team.

* Ability to build trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with adult job seekers from diverse backgrounds.

* Ability to support clients in identifying goals, addressing employment barriers, preparing job-search materials, and connecting to appropriate training, education, employment, and supportive service resources.

* Computer literacy, including familiarity with…