Human Resources

Supervising Employment & Training Counselor

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a professional level position providing administrative work which involves responsibility for the administration and supervision of Senior Counselors, Counselors and subordinate staff in the planning and implementation of programs and services provided by the Job Development Bureau.  Does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Acts as supervisor to Senior Counselors, Counselors and support staff by planning development, implementation, and providing corrective action for all programs and services provided by these staff.  Assigns the cases and related work to all counseling staff.  Meets with staff on select individual cases and recommends the appropriate service and programs for achieving success.  Holds regular staff meetings to keep counseling and support staff advised on problems, programs, and new developments as well as getting team feedback on ways to further enhance program services and processes;
Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with public and private agencies with whom we share responsibility in providing the needs for our customers.  These relationships include those that are of contractual as well as just a cooperative nature;
Establishes and maintains the necessary controls to assure that Department guidelines are being followed so that quality services are provided to all customers and applicant eligibility determination is accurate;
Interprets Federal, State and local policies, rules and regulations regarding counseling programs and services in order to provide guidelines to counseling and support staff. Develops and amends staff manuals to provide clear, concise operating guidelines for counseling and support staff;
Assist in the formulation of department policy relative to, but not limited to vocational guidance through the use of career assessment, employability plans, remedial education, school-to-work activities (high school) Pre-Employment Work Maturity and Life Skills workshops, work experience placements, Post Secondary and Specialized Skill Training, job placement, related support services (transportation, clothing, daycare, etc.) and special programs designed to provide unsubsidized placement and/or close cases for Department of Social Services;
Prepares a wide variety of reports and records for use and assistance in providing information to Federal, State and local leaders and funding agents.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work 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.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of concepts related to cultural, environ-mental and personal factors that influence the lives of persons who are economically disadvantaged, low income, unemployed, lacking the minimum required training, education and experience required for gainful employment; good knowledge of interviewing, assessment and counseling practices and procedures; good knowledge of community service organizations, education and training related agencies and human service agencies; good knowledge of the programs and services required to be provided by an employment and training agency; good knowledge of the sources of occupational information related to vocational guidance, training and placement; good knowledge of Federal, State and local Employment and Training Rules, Laws, and Regulations, and the ability to apply the knowledge in the performance of duties; ability to evaluate customer vocational interest and aptitudes and develop or recommend a successful service plan; ability to communicate Employment and Training goals and services to individuals and groups and stimulate their interest; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to work with customers in a variety of counseling and vocational situations; ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships; ability to understand, interpret and prepare complex written materials.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handles, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.’

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND:

Graduation from a regionally accredited NYS registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Human Service, Education, Social Work, or related field AND four (4) years of full-time, paid experience in assisting people through counseling or related skills to make career; employment or life enhancing decisions leading to achieving their personal goals, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
NOTE: Two years of supervisory experience is required.  One year of post Bachelor’s educational training in the areas defined above can be substituted for non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s License.