Vocational Counselor, Long Branch Thrives; ENOUGH Initiative

Position Title: Lead Vocational Counselor, Long Branch Thrives (ENOUGH Initiative)

Department: Vocational Services

Reports to: Director of Vocational Services Program

Employment Status: Full Time

Work Location: Long Branch Community Hub, Silver Spring, Maryland, with occasional travel throughout Montgomery County.

FSLA Status: Exempt

Salary: $57,000 - $67,500

The Vocational Services Program at Interfaith Works equips people transitioning out of homelessness and other low-income residents of Montgomery County to achieve economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment, while meeting the needs of employers by providing qualified, dependable employees seeking long-term careers.

Interfaith Works is seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English) Lead Vocational Counselor to support the Long Branch Thrives initiative through Maryland's ENOUGH Full Implementation Grant. This position will be primarily based at the Long Branch community location and will play a key role in expanding workforce development services for residents of the Long Branch community.

The Lead Vocational Counselor will provide direct employment and career coaching services, support outreach and engagement efforts, build relationships with local employers and community partners, and serve as a workforce development subject matter expert within the Long Branch Thrives collaborative. The successful candidate will be committed to community-based service delivery and possess a strong understanding of the Long Branch community, its residents, resources, challenges, and opportunities.

The work we do changes lives. Employment can create a powerful ripple effect that improves individual and family stability, strengthens communities, contributes to the local economy, and reduces dependence on social services. Our approach centers on client success, accountability, and individualized support throughout the job search and career development process.

This grant-funded position is guaranteed for one year through September 30, 2027. Continuation beyond the initial term is contingent upon grant renewal and funding availability.

Preference will be given to candidates who have lived, worked, volunteered, or otherwise demonstrated strong connections to the Long Branch community. Familiarity with Long Branch residents, community organizations, culturally responsive engagement strategies, workforce barriers, and local employment opportunities is highly desirable.

• Manage a caseload of participants and lead clients through a structured, targeted job search process, providing individualized vocational counseling, coaching, and skill‑building.
• Support achievement of grant outcomes by maintaining strong participant engagement, job placement activity, employment retention efforts, and successful workforce development outcomes.
• Meet regularly with participants to monitor progress, reinforce accountability, adjust employment goals, and provide ongoing employment retention support.
• Conduct vocational assessments and develop individualized employment plans that address participants' strengths, goals, and barriers to employment.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers through direct outreach, networking, and community engagement activities to identify employment opportunities and create hiring pathways for participants.
• Deliver job‑readiness training and coaching, including resume development, interview preparation, workplace expectations, job search strategies, and techniques for successfully navigating the employment process.
• Develop expertise in workforce barriers and employment challenges faced by the communities served through the program and support participants in navigating employment systems, accessing…