Full-Time Youth Employment Counselor: Career Development Counselor; MassHire; 37.5 hours per week; MCCC/MTA Unit Professional Position; Pay grade 4.

The Youth Employment Counselor works with career center customers between the ages of 18 -24 to help them identify and embark upon a career pathway that will lead to stable employment in a demand industry that offers potential for advancement.  The individual in this position must possess knowledge of the developmental needs of individuals in this age range and strategies to support their success; including appropriate levels of empathy and flexibility balanced with structure and guidance. Position entails outreach and recruitment, assessment and eligibility determination, career counseling, support with training and/or post-secondary education program selection and enrollment, administrative procedures to secure training funding for individuals, case management, job search and placement support, follow-up, and service and activity tracking in the state database.  The Youth Employment Counselor will provide workshops and information sessions and conduct math and reading assessments. Position will focus on the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program, but may provide services for other specially funded youth initiatives.

Position is supervised by the Career Center Assistant Director.

Hybrid work schedule including 2-3 days in-person and 2-3 days remote work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform outreach and recruitment activities, including use of social media, that result in enrollments for MassHire Merrimack Valley youth training programs; continually assess and work toward implementing effective recruitment methods that yield positive enrollment outcomes.
• Provide in-depth information to area youth regarding the full array of available career center services.
• Determine youth suitability and eligibility for program participation. Verify all documents/records to ensure required documentation is obtained. Create and maintain youth case files with all required documentation.
• Administer required Basic English Skills Tests, Test for Adult Basic Education, WorkKeys, achievement tests, as well as other skills and vocational aptitude assessments and tests.
• Conduct comprehensive assessment for each participant. This assessment includes review of educational background, work history, interests, aptitudes, abilities, personal characteristics, and consideration of labor market information.
• In collaboration with the youth and based on results of comprehensive assessment, develop a career action plan and Individual Service Strategy that outlines services including, but not limited to, education and training, that will lead to achievement of the youth's employment goal.
• Complete process to access funding and/or enroll customer when training is a component of their career action plan.
• Perform case management with contact occurring, at minimum, every 30 days to provide guidance and support, to identify solutions to real or perceived barriers to participation, to determine progress toward achieving goals, and to enable proactive problem-solving.
• Provide individual instruction on job search methods, including resume development, interviewing, use of social media for job search, and networking.
• Conduct job readiness workshops and other group services.
• Maintain liaison with public and private organizations, including WIOA partner organizations and community organizations, to promote programs and services, exchange information, and develop resources necessary to support and stabilize youth's current situation including, but not limited to, housing, access to food support, WIC, financial literacy support, transportation, and other assistance.
• Enable youth to access WIOA support services, when needed.
• Work closely with career center recruiters and business service representatives to facilitate referral of youth participants to employment opportunities that match career pathway goals.
• Follow-up with youth after placement to support job retention.
• Maintain and document all services and notes in the Massachusetts One Stop Employment System (MOSES) database for monitoring review and compliance.
• Actively participate in career center teams to improve quality of services to employers and job seekers. Contribute suggestions and ideas that create and promote a positive work culture.
• Participate in staff development and cross training opportunities that expand and support functional skills and promote professional growth.
• The Classification Specification is available at:  https://www.mass.edu/shared/classificationspecs/specsmccc/Career Development Counselor - HB 1109.doc

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in a youth-serving program
• Commitment to helping youth of the Merrimack Valley gain skills in demand occupation areas and obtain employment on a career pathway that leads to financial stability and opportunity for growth
• Working knowledge of social media and computer software and technology
• Access to reliable transportation including proper vehicle insurance maintenance
• Ability to travel within the greater Merrimack Valley (including Lowell)
• Willingness to work evenings and Saturdays when needed, which will be paid in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
• Knowledge of and connections to youth-serving organizations and school systems in the Merrimack Valley
• Understanding of the developmental needs of individuals in the 18-24 years age range
• Knowledge of strategies to support the career development success of youth in the target age range
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population

BACKGROUND CHECK: Candidates will be required to pass a CORI and SORI check as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: Candidates for employment should be aware that all Northern Essex Community College students, faculty and staff have been fully vaccinated since January 3, 2022. Accordingly, initial employment is dependent upon receipt and verification of full vaccination status records; details of how to fulfill vaccine record verification requirements will be provided during the hire and onboarding process.

SALARY: Anticipated salary range is $52,754.00 to $57,754.00 annually; pay grade 4. Includes a complete fringe benefit package such as competitive health insurance, free dental insurance, basic life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid sick, vacation and personal leave, educational benefits for employee/spouse/dependents, and excellent retirement benefits.

Actual salary calculated in compliance with MCCC/MTA classification system. Transcripts will be required at the time of hire.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP

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About Northern Essex Community College

NECC is a public, two-year college that offers comprehensive academic programs of study leading to the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Science degree and Certificates of program completion.Our dedicated teaching faculty accept with enthusiasm the challenge of responding properly to the differing backgrounds of their students and, at the same time, directing and leading them toward broader understandings. Our faculty are deeply involved in the planning of each class and in the achievement of each student, and are equally dedicated to personal achievement. As well as the specialized academic opportunities and tutoring that the college provides for our students, our faculty have the time and the commitment to advise as well as instruct students, and to provide support and encouragement.

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