Maricopa County Job

MARICOPA COUNTY invites applications for the position of: Career Guidance Specialist An Equal Opportunity Employer

OPENING DATE: 03/26/13   CLOSING DATE: 04/01/13 11:59 PM   DEPARTMENT: Human Services   JOB TYPE: Classified/Grant-Funded/Full-Time   LOCATION: Maricopa County, Arizona   SALARY: $17.87 - $25.31 Hourly   POSITION OVERVIEW: The purpose of this position is to perform career development activities in a case management relationship for customers in the One-Stop Center that will result in gainful employment.   This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions in the East and West Valley. Please indicate your preference in the supplemental questions.   POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum education and/or experience: Bachelors degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Business Administration or a closely related field, and two (2) year experience in employment, training programs, case management, and/or career development activities, or equivalent social service program.  Relevant experience and/or education may substitute on a year for year basis.   Preferred education and/or experience: Experience with workforce development, post-secondary education or social service programs.   Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Candidate must possess strong verbal and written communication skills.  Must have the ability to develop a thorough understanding of the services, programs and available resources to respond to client needs.  Must be knowledgeable in the principles and practices of interviewing.  Must possess basic knowledge of the policies and procedures for established training programs.  Must have the ability to deal with complex and delicate matters with diplomacy and tact as well as able to analyze and resolve problems.  Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.  Must be customer service oriented and skilled to handle both external and internal customer needs.  Candidate should be enthusiastic and professional with the ability to perform job functions with integrity.  Requires the ability to prepare reports, interpret the rules, regulations and policies, and be able to work independently and prioritize tasks.  Must have familiarity with internet and computerized case management.  Must be skilled in computer use in a variety of operational software and proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook and other Windows office programs.    Specialized training, certifications, or other special requirements: Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license at time of hire.   NOTE: Must complete background check and fingerprint identification upon hire to successfully secure DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.   Preferred special requirements:      Bilingual skills in English/Spanish.   ADDITIONAL NOTE:   Degrees/credits must be from an academically accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education (CHEA).   ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS: Serve as client advocate and regularly follow up and maintain case load of approximately 120 individuals during period of program participation to include determination of eligibility, creating, updating and maintaining accurate records and files.  Evaluate participants’ interests, education, and experience to determine possible program placements, and develop an employability plan to further participants’ successful entry into the work force.  Interview, screen and counsel participants regarding employment barriers; advise participants regarding alternate training and employment opportunities.  Assist customers in accessing the many resources and services of the One-Stop, and provide referrals to partners and other community agencies when appropriate.  Develop action plan for career goals with participants and recommend to supervisor for approval of expenditures.  Counsel and guide participants during their enrollment in work shops, training, and education and employment activities or programs, and maintain referral and placement records during program participation.  Document customer progress and goals, according the Division case note standards, by creating and updating case notes.  Coach clients in resume development and preparation, interviewing techniques, and structured job search activities.  Provide guidance in the use of labor market information, job search resources, training information and other tools that prepare customers to make informed employment, training and career choices.  Determine and arrange available area resources and supportive services as required; refer participants to appropriate training and employment services; monitors and evaluates participant’s progress and attendance; provides information for skill and job development.  Daily input and use of program database for all record keeping and participant information updates.  Document all services provided to the client and activities of the client from enrollment through follow-up as required.  Assist with the coordination and implementation of annual Job Fairs.  Meet with participants on a scheduled basis to document progress and conduct follow-up activities to continue plan of action resulting in gainful employment.  Attend weekly staff meetings to identify unique issues with case load and discover alternate methods for training, services or employment opportunities.   SELECTION PROCEDURE: The Maricopa County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the exam process only those candidates considered to be the most highly qualified.  Those selected will be scored based on evaluation of listed education and experience. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a pool provided by Human Resources.

APPLICATIONS MAY ONLY BE FILED ONLINE AT: http://www.maricopa.gov/jobs OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT: 301 W Jefferson Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-506-3755 (staffed Mon-Fri, 8am – 5pm MST, excluding holidays) hrfeedback@mail.maricopa.gov Job #220CarGuidSpec032013 CAREER GUIDANCE SPECIALIST LP It is the policy of Maricopa County not to discriminate in employment or the provision of services. Maricopa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide reasonable accommodation in the application and/or testing process to eligible individuals requesting assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.