Position: Business Service Representative/Career Counselor
Reports to: County Supervisor
Summary:
Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment working with local employers to help people achieve their career goals? The Western Maryland Consortium seeks a passionate and skilled Business Service Representative/Career Counselor to provide comprehensive employment services to our clients. In this vital role, you will empower individuals to find fulfilling careers by offering personalized guidance, connecting them with resources, and advocating for their success. You will be a key member of a team dedicated to workforce development and community impact.
Essential Functions:
- Master Consortium Programs: Become proficient in the programs, services, and policies of the Western Maryland Consortium (WMC), Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) – American Job Center partnerships, and their mission statements. Actively participate in all relevant training and professional development opportunities.
- Build Community Partnerships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with American Job Center partners and other community resources, ensuring seamless referrals and access to vital services for clients based on their individual needs.
- Represent the Consortium: Participate in relevant agency/business/organization meetings to advance the Consortium’s goals and objectives.
- Stay Ahead of Employment Trends: Maintain a thorough understanding of current local, regional, and national employment trends, career development best practices, and in-demand jobs and career pathways.
- Active Recruitment: Actively recruit both businesses/worksites and participants for WMC programs, including outreach to diverse populations (e.g., in-school youth, out-of-school youth).
- Collaborative Case Management: Collaborate closely with WMC Career Counselors to contribute to the continuous development of Individual Employment Plans (IEPs), assessing client strengths, weaknesses, and barriers to employment.
- Develop Job Search Strategies: Develop personalized job search plans for each participant, reflecting the IEP objectives.
- Conduct Job Search Activities: Design and deliver individual and group job search workshops and activities, utilizing technology and social media effectively.
- Resume and Cover Letter Development: Review, develop, and compose effective resumes and cover letters for clients.
- Client Relationship Management: Maintain regular contact with clients throughout the job search, employment, and retention periods, adhering to WIOA guidelines.
- Employer Relations: Cultivate relationships with local employers, promoting WMC services and securing job placements.
- On-the-Job Training: Market and manage On-the-Job Training programs, working with employers to develop effective training plans with defined objectives.
- Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate and complete client files; prepare and submit required documentation for administrative approval.
- Workplace Visits and Communication: Regularly visit workplaces, facilitate communication between employers and participants, and provide support and conflict resolution as needed.
- Progress Monitoring and Reporting: Review client progress, provide counseling, and prepare regular reports for Career Counselors and the office supervisor.
- Budget Management (OJT): Review the accuracy of OJT contract budgets and expenditures, ensuring clear communication with WMC administrative fiscal office.
- Program Close-Out: Complete program close-out procedures, ensuring follow-up contact with employers and participants.
- Additional Duties: Perform other duties as required to support the successful operation of WMC programs.
Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong time management skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a team
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Required Education and Experience:
- Associate degree or two years of related job experience.
- GCDF certification preferred (must be obtained within one year of hire).
Other Duties: This job description is not exhaustive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Work Environment: Professional office setting.
Position Type and Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Travel: Occasional local day travel; no overnight travel anticipated. Reliable transportation, Driver’s License and proof of insurance required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
