Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Employment Counsellor

An Employment Counsellor is a professional who provides guidance and support to individuals seeking employment or undergoing career transitions. These counsellors play a crucial role in helping individuals identify and pursue suitable career paths, develop job search strategies, and enhance their employability skills. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Employment Counsellors.

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Main Responsibilities of an Employment Counsellor

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Employment Counsellor:

Achieve

Achieve the target number of successful placements.

Adhere to

Adhere to various program policies and guidelines.

Adjust

Adjust style as appropriate to the needs of the situation.

Advocate

Advocate for clients' needs and rights in the job market.

Answer

Answer client questions or concerns in a timely, informative, and professional manner.

Apply

Apply organizational and decision-making skills to manage a time constraint caseload.

Assess

Assess client's employment readiness, and define short / long term career goals.
Assess clients' need for referral to appropriate services (either internal or external).
Assess clients' skills, interests, and qualifications to determine suitable career options.
Assess the capacity to increase the sustainable levels of Inuit employment for each.

Assist in

Assist clients in creating professional networks and utilizing job search resources.
Assist clients in exploring potential career paths and researching related industries.
Assist clients in identifying their strengths and areas for improvement.
Assist clients in negotiating job offers and employment contracts.
Assist clients in the development of appropriate work habits and attitudes for the workplace.
Assist clients to build support networks.
Assist clients to complete the registration forms prior to their intake appointment.
Assist clients to develop career paths and / or job readiness and job search strategies.
Assist client with mock interviews.
Assist employers and clients with job maintenance and retention.
Assist Employment Counsellors in the daily duties.
Assist in compiling and maintaining program resources.
Assist in goal-setting and action plan preparation, development and implementation.
Assist in preparation of program and promotional materials and other documents as assigned.
Assist in scheduling candidates for intake, career events and workshops.
Assist in the delivery of employment workshops, information sessions, and networking events.
Assist staff in the creation and distribution of promotional materials.
Assist staff with coverage for reception duties.
Assist with client intake, registration and follow-ups.
Assist with connections between service providers and employers for placement and training funding.

Attend

Attend and participates at team and general staff meetings as scheduled.
Attend career fairs and other community events on behalf of CAHRD upon request.
Attend industry related networking events and representing the YWCA on community committees.
Attend presentations at local Job Fairs and other employer related networking opportunities.
Attend weekly job order and staff meeting.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with educational institutions to facilitate career development programs.
Collaborate with employers to develop job placement opportunities.
Collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists or social workers, for comprehensive client care.
Collaborate with other staff to provide a seamless continuum of employment services.

Complete

Complete all necessary client documentation and conduct client follow-up.
Complete a variety of administrative tasks and maintain files as per company procedure.

Conduct

Conduct comprehensive client intakes.
Conduct intake interviews and determine employability and potential barriers to employment.
Conduct intakes, including needs and risk assessments and create employment action plans.
Conduct mock interviews to prepare clients for actual job interviews.
Conduct one-on-one career counseling sessions with clients.
Conduct on-going research of and outreach to employers, community resources and programs.
Conduct outreach and program promotion.
Conduct participant surveys / evaluations.
Conduct program evaluation and prepare program reports.
Conduct vocational assessments to match clients with suitable job opportunities.

Contact

Contact clients about upcoming events and job fairs.

Contribute to

Contribute to volunteer recruitment, screening, orientation and training.

Coordinate

Coordinate job fairs, or recruitment days.

Create

Create, maintain, and update paper and database client and program files.
Create resume's, cover letters and job application on behalf of clients.

Determine

Determine financial need and arranges program financial supports as required.

Develop

Develop action plan collaboratively with clients and support implementation.
Develop and deliver networking sessions.
Develop and lead virtual professional development workshops with youth.
Develop and monitors training plan and agreements with client and employer.
Develop, coordinate and deliver presentations to groups, agencies, and educational institutions.
Develop, deliver and evaluate employment related workshops and presentations.
Develop employer database while sourcing leads.
Develop employment and placement opportunities for participants.
Develop employment counselling curriculum.

Ensure

Ensure high standards of service delivery within an anti-racism and anti-oppression policy framework.
Ensure program supplies and equipment are refreshed for clients to perform their TEP placement.
Ensure strong reporting, evaluation framework, communication strategy.

Establish

Establish and maintain contact with community service providers.
Establish and maintain positive and supportive relationships with client.
Establish and monitor work plan in consultation with core partners.
Establish good working relationships team members.
Establish working relationships with relevant agencies / services that support client needs.

Facilitate

Facilitate job fairs and networking events to connect clients with employers.
Facilitate pre-employment and job retention workshops.
Facilitate workshops on job search techniques and career development.

Follow-up

Follow-up with mentor / mentee and provide on-going support.

Generate

Generate accurate statistics for reporting requirements, and submit required reports.

Help

Help clients develop job retention strategies and navigate workplace challenges.
Help clients develop realistic career goals and action plans.
Help clients enhance their employability skills, such as communication and problem-solving.
Help clients identify and overcome barriers to employment, such as lack of experience or education.
Help to quantify and evaluate the needs of workers in each construction trade on an bi-.

Identify

Identify and assesses client's need for job coaching.
Identify barriers to employment and provide assistance with resolving those barriers.
Identify potential employer job requirements and labour market opportunities in the local community.

Implement

Implement a prospecting strategy to generate the types of jobs needed by the caseload.

Keep

Keep informed on current literature and research.

Liaise with

Liaise with clients and external resources and organizations.
Liaise with external organizations to promote and recruit for CAHRD programs and services.

Maintain

Maintain accurate and confidential client records and progress notes.
Maintain awareness of current issues and developments in the respective field.
Maintain client files, weekly contact notes and complete in Mobius database.
Maintain effective communication of information among internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain electronic / paper client records and protects the confidentiality of the information.
Maintain statistics for monthly reporting.
Maintain strong working relations with agency programs and partner agencies.
Maintain the accurate records of clients assisted and services provided.

Make

Make referrals to other staff and / or agencies pertaining to relevant client issues.

Manage

Manage client case loads.

Mediate

Mediate and negotiate effectively to help achieve positive outcomes.

Monitor

Monitor client attendance and generates reports as required.
Monitor clients' job search progress and provide ongoing support and encouragement.

Negotiate

Negotiate and develop subsidized work placements.

Network

Network and market the program through on going community contacts and mental health service.

Nurture

Nurture and maintain relationships with partners, employers and volunteers.

Outreach

Outreach and recruit qualified mentors.

Oversee

Oversee the mentoring program on job sites.

Participate in

Participate in Chambers of Commerce and other related agency events.
Participate in community events related to employment, education and career development.
Participate in organizing job fairs and events.
Participate in the hosting of community and employer events.
Participate on internal committees and working groups as required.

Perform

Perform administrative tasks as assigned.
Perform client follow-up as per program guidelines.
Perform employment and needs assessments for clients.
Perform outreach to local communities to identify and engage newcomers.

Plan

Plan ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.
Plan and deliver job search and employment skills workshops.
Plan and organize orientation / training sessions for mentors.

Promote

Promote CPAC mentorship program and recruit participants.
Promote Sustainable Employment Program funding to contractors.

Provide

Provide administrative support to the Employment Specialists for filing and data entry.
Provide comprehensive information on the orientation to Canadian workplace culture.
Provide coverage for Reception and Resource & Information Centre as needed.
Provide direct one-on-one support to job seekers in a client-centred manner.
Provide expert knowledge on ASD related areas to support participants and families.
Provide financial supports to clients in keeping with program guidelines.
Provide guidance on job search strategies, including resume writing and interview preparation.
Provide guidance on self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Provide guidance on workplace rights and responsibilities.
Provide information and orientation to clients on Dixie Bloor services and programs.
Provide information and referral to internal and external programs.
Provide information and resources to clients.
Provide information on educational programs, certifications, and skill development opportunities.
Provide one-on-one counselling to participants.
Provide program reports to Manager as required.
Provide referrals to community organizations and support services.
Provide referrals to other programs / services as needed.
Provide resources and support to program staff pertaining to specific client issues.
Provide support and assistance to volunteers and / or placement students.
Provide support and closely monitor each contractor, that are participating in Sanajiit.
Provide support for professional development and networking activities / events.
Provide support for Supported Employment placements and employer contact.
Provide support in navigating career transitions or career changes.
Provide support to JVS's Vocational Evaluation team when needed.
Provide support to program staff and job seekers.

Recruit

Recruit employers for placements and mentors for mentorship activities.

Refer

Refer client to external agencies as needed and tracks connections and results.

Research

Research and identify companies to access viable job postings and uncover the hidden job market.
Research and identify employers and sector opportunities on behalf of clients.
Research Internet for information relevant job search and employment opportunities for clients.

Review

Review and evaluate results and recommendations from job seekers / clients and employers.
Review specialized assessment results with clients.

Secure

Secure placement opportunities for clients.

Set

Set priorities, goals, and timetables to achieve maximum productivity.

Share program outcomes with Manager and stakeholders.

Stay informed about

Stay informed about changes in labor laws and employment regulations.
Stay knowledgeable about government employment programs and resources.
Stay updated on labor market trends, industry demands, and job market conditions.

Supervise

Supervise and maintain safety of the clients on TEP worksite, following Coast safety policies.

Support

Support and monitor clients as they progress through their action plan.
Support clients in their career exploration and job search.
Support program staff with clerical duties (document creation, hard copy file retrieval, etc.).
Support YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values.

Travel

Travel to different communities and visit construction sites, as needed, to ensure that.

Understand

Understand and incorporate emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards.

Use

Use of own vehicle is an asset to the job.

Work with

Work with team to match clients with employment opportunities.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Employment Counsellor:

Proficiency in career assessment tools and vocational tests.
Knowledge of labor market information and industry trends.
Familiarity with job search platforms and recruitment websites.
Competence in resume writing, cover letter crafting, and portfolio development.
Skill in conducting job market research and analyzing job descriptions.
Proficiency in using career development software and online resources.
Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and workplace standards.
Ability to interpret and utilize labor market statistics and economic data.
Competence in using social media platforms for job search and networking purposes.
Proficiency in conducting employment interviews and assessing candidates.
Skill in developing and delivering career development workshops and presentations.
Knowledge of educational programs, certifications, and skill training opportunities.
Competence in using assessment tools for transferable skills analysis.
Proficiency in conducting mock interviews and providing feedback.
Skill in using job placement and tracking software.
Knowledge of job retention strategies and workplace adjustment techniques.
Competence in using customer relationship management (CRM) software for client management.
Proficiency in using data analysis tools for labor market research.
Skill in utilizing online learning platforms for skill enhancement programs.
Knowledge of government employment programs and funding opportunities.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Employment Counsellor:

Excellent communication skills to build rapport with clients and convey information effectively.
Empathy and compassion to understand clients' unique needs and challenges.
Strong interpersonal skills to establish trust and maintain professional relationships.
Active listening abilities to comprehend clients' concerns and aspirations.
Problem-solving skills to assist clients in overcoming employment barriers.
Adaptability and flexibility to tailor counseling approaches to individual clients.
Patience and perseverance to support clients throughout their job search journey.
Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity to work with diverse client populations.
Collaboration and teamwork skills to coordinate services with other professionals.
Organizational skills to manage client caseloads, schedules, and documentation.

Conclusion

Employment Counsellors play a vital role in assisting individuals in their career development and job search endeavors. By possessing the necessary hard and soft skills, these professionals empower clients to make informed decisions, overcome employment challenges, and achieve their professional goals.