Lead Career Counselor

The Lead Career Counselor provides comprehensive career guidance and support to individuals participating in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program across the TENCO region, serving Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Montgomery, Robertson, and Rowan Counties. Working closely with the Workforce Development Manager, this position ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations while promoting high‑quality service delivery.

The Lead Career Counselor serves as a key resource to staff by providing technical assistance, facilitating team meetings, supporting eligibility determinations, and offering coverage during staff vacancies. In addition to maintaining a limited caseload, this role requires regular travel to three Kentucky Career Centers and one Access Point within the region to provide staff training and mentorship. The Lead Career Counselor is expected to uphold strict confidentiality at all times.

• Interview customers to assess career interests, skills, and employment goals;
• Conduct outreach and recruitment activities to engage targeted populations and promote WIOA services across the region;
• Determine eligibility for WIOA, Trade, and other applicable programs, and assist Career Counselors with eligibility determinations as needed;
• Develop, implement, and maintain Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) that identify strengths, barriers, goals, and required services;
• Develop and oversee individual training accounts for occupational skills training;
• Provide career/employment guidance through an understanding of labor market data, local job opportunities, and community resources;
• Provide intensive monthly case management to individuals enrolled in the program under the position’s case load;
• Facilitate workshops on career center services, employability skills, and workforce readiness;
• Assist individuals in accessing training opportunities, including on‑the‑job training, work experience, customized training, incumbent worker programs, and transitional employment;
• Maintain accurate and timely hard copy and electronic case records in compliance with all policies and regulations;
• Work, in conjunction with the Workforce Development Manager, to ensure program compliance with all federal and state program regulations;
• Assist with program monitoring, internal reviews, and quality control efforts to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to policies and procedures;
• Provide individuals with information on local area performance measures;
• Provide individuals with performance and program costs of eligible providers of education and training services;
• Support Business Services by assisting with job orders, job fairs, hiring events, outreach, and rapid response activities;
• Deliver core career services such as resume development, interview preparation, and job search assistance;
• Refer individuals to partner agencies and supportive services as appropriate;
• Complete accurate and timely documentation as required by the law, regulation, and policy;
• Collaborate with community partners, including education providers, employers, economic development, and other workforce areas;
• Participate in partner meetings and other meetings essential to program success.

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to Career Counselors to ensure consistent and effective service delivery;
• Facilitate regular team meetings with Career Counselors to share updates, address challenges, and promote best practices;
• Create and run reports to ensure contract performance requirements are met;
• Provide consultation and assist in the development, implementation, and revision of policies and procedures with GADD and TENCO to ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and effective service delivery;
• Travel to Kentucky Career Centers and the Access Point within the TENCO region to provide on‑site support, training, and mentorship;
• Assist with staff coverage during vacancies or absences as needed.

Involves any other tasks and assistance needed to support the organization.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a human services or…