OPEN POSITION: DISLOCATED WORKER CAREER COUNSELOR
Position:
Minnesota Training Partnership (MTP) is seeking a full-time Dislocated Worker Career Counselor for employment and training services. This position is partially remote, and partially in-office in Brooklyn Park and other community-based program locations.
Background:
MTP is an experienced and successful provider of workforce development services, particularly those that connect people to — or help them advance in — union jobs.
The leadership of the Minnesota AFL-CIO established MTP in November 2017, and the organization was awarded 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in September 2019. MTP’s affiliation with Minnesota AFL-CIO assists us to leverage strong connections to unions and employers to benefit program participants. The mission of MTP is to advance equity by strengthening the pipeline of underserved populations into stable job opportunities and upgrading incumbent worker skills.
MTP’s employment and training programs are funded by grants from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Ramsey County, Hennepin County, union partners, and subcontracts with organizations funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Position Overview:
The Dislocated Worker Career Counselor will play a crucial role in supporting participants in Minnesota Training Partnership’s workforce development programs. Our Career Counselors provide a wide range of services to people enrolled across all growing industries. This position involves providing personalized assistance to culturally diverse, unemployed individuals to help them navigate and succeed as they return to the workplace. The Career Counselor will engage closely with participants, unions and labor organizations, employer partners, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and program staff to ensure that participants receive guidance, resources, and support they need to be successful. Frequent travel throughout the Twin Cities metro, including multiple destinations per day, is required.
Key Responsibilities:
Outreach and Engagement:
· Conduct individual and group outreach to engage unemployed people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds via in-person, telephone, text, email, and online technology such as Zoom and Teams.
· Determine program eligibility for participants, and assist them to enroll according to the comprehensive, specific and non-negotiable requirements of the program grantors.
· Develop and maintain positive relationships with unions and labor organizations, community-based organizations, educational institutions, employers, and other stakeholders.
· Represent the organization at in-person and online community events and meetings.
Training Services:
· Train participants in topics related to work readiness and employability, both individually and in group settings, utilizing in-person and online formats.
· Connect participants to classroom training at approved training partners as applicable and assist them with IEP development and program completion.
Case Management:
· Assist participants in understanding and accessing the full range of services available in our workforce development programs and our organization.
· Initiate communication and document one-on-one coaching and support, helping participants set and achieve career goals.
· Provide relevant assessments to guide participants into appropriate career paths.
· Develop, monitor, and adapt individualized plans (IEP) to address barriers to employment and facilitate participants’ progress in training, job search, and other areas.
· Serve as a one-stop resource for participants’ training and employment success during their program participation.
· Utilize a person-centered, relationship-oriented model in the provision of all services.
Resource Coordination:
· Connect participants with relevant community resources, including food support, childcare, transportation, and housing assistance.
· Coordinate internally with SNAP E&T services to ensure participants receive comprehensive support.
· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of available resources and services. Develop community relationships to expand resources available to our participants.
Program Administration:
· Provide services for program enrollment, documentation, training, support services, and tracking of participant progress.
· Maintain accurate and confidential participant records in electronic databases and secure case files.
· Monitor participant progress and provide regular case notes and reports on participant outcomes and program effectiveness.
· Meet program goals related to program retention, training completion, job placement, earnings attainment, and job retention within program timeline and budget.
· Ensure adherence to Federal, State, and County/Local regulations and reporting requirements.
· Case management using WF1 to document participant applications, enrollment, activities, individual employment plan, training and support.
· Other duties as required to meet program goals and organizational needs.
Cultural Competency:
· Provide services that demonstrate sensitivity and respect for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of participants.
· Continuously seek to improve cultural competency and inclusiveness in program delivery.
· Advocate for the needs and interests of participants within the organization and community.
Required skills and experience
· Three years of experience with career counseling, training, and/or publicly funded workforce development programs or equivalent experience
· One year experience as a Dislocated Worker counselor
· Windows and Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
· Virtual and in-person group facilitation experience
· Strong interpersonal skills to connect with people of all backgrounds
· Strong organizational skills, demonstrated in part through data management
· One year of successful experience using Workforce One or similar workforce development databases
· Demonstrated commitment to the mission of Minnesota Training Partnership: to advance equity by strengthening the pipeline of underserved populations into stable job opportunities and upgrading incumbent worker skills
· Demonstrated commitment to the rights of working people
· Reliable transportation required
Preferred skills and experience
· Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, human resources, psychology, or related field; or equivalent experience
· Knowledge of industry recognized training certifications
· Spanish, Somali, or Hmong fluency, both verbal and written
· Experience with or knowledge of labor unions and the labor movement
Pay and Benefits:
This is a union position earning $52,000 - $56,000/year DOQ, with a generous benefits package, including 401k, 100% paid premiums for medical/dental/vision, car and cell allowance, paid time off (vacation, health, holidays), and more. Minnesota Training Partnership is an equal opportunity employer.
Interested applicants should send resumes and cover letters to Raul Sanchez at rsanchez@mnaflcio.org.