ABOLISHED 06/04/2015 PER PAY LETTER 15-17 - Employment Program Counselor
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: WD45
Class Code: 9152
Established: 02/01/1983
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under direction in a local office or for a group of local offices of the Employment Development Department, to provide counseling and other employability services to the unemployed or underemployed; to assist in vocational choice, change, adjustment, or placement; to inform office staff and community groups concerning the Employment Counseling Program; and to do other related work.
Job Characteristics
The class of Employment Program Counselor is the recruiting, training and journey level class for persons to perform professional counseling services to clients who lack satisfactory vocational orientation or preparation for employment. Under close supervision incumbents receive formal classroom training in employment services activities, such as application taking, placement, and employment counseling; receive on-the-job training in employment counseling functions; follow a planned program of self-study to increase knowledge of occupational and labor market information; perform counseling and related activities for an assigned group of clients gradually extending the scope and independence as competence increases. As incumbents progress, they perform a full range of employment counseling duties with a considerable degree of independence and minimal supervision.
Typical Tasks
Determines problem areas in the vocational programs of job applicants; assists applicants in analyzing and evaluating their employment assets and aptitudes; provides information to applicants on occupational opportunities, job requirements, training, and rehabilitation resources; determines and evaluates results of performance, aptitude and interests tests and assists individuals in relating results to occupational goals; assists applicants in formulating plans to achieve occupational goals and refers them to appropriate employers, training and educational facilities or other community agencies and organizations; conducts periodic follow-up interviews and contacts employers, training facilities, and community agencies to determine applicant's progress; prepares and maintains records on applicants' occupational training programs; interprets physical capacity appraisals in terms of job possibilities to assist the physically disabled; develops and maintains cooperative relationships with community training, educational, rehabilitation, and social agencies; provides general employment and placement services; participates in the employment service programs by conducting group and/or individual counseling sessions for youths, older workers, the physically disabled, veterans, minorities, and other special applicant groups, and speaks before community groups regarding the counseling program. Some of the Employment Counselor positions require fluency in both English and a second language to facilitate communication with clients of the Employment Development Department. Persons interested in qualifying for special language positions must pass both the proficiency test for a specified non-English language and the general examination administered to all candidates for positions in the class.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Equivalent to graduation from college, preferably with a major in the social sciences, including at least the equivalent of 15 semester units at the collegiate level in the following subject areas: guidance principles and techniques, personality development, occupational and industrial information, tests and measurements or other courses relating to counselor preparation. (Registration as a senior in a recognized educational institution will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment. With respect to the special course requirement, registration in qualifying courses will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of successful completion of the courses before they are eligible for appointment.)
Or II
Experience: One year of experience performing the duties of an Employment Program Assistant, Range B; and
Education: 15 semester units at the collegiate level in the following subject areas: guidance principles and techniques, personality development, occupational and industrial information, tests and measurements or other courses relating to counselor preparation.
Or III
Experience: Two years of counseling experience. This must have included substantial vocation counseling in a variety of occupational fields. (Additional college education may be substituted for the required experience on a basis of two years of college being equivalent to one year of experience); and
Education: 15 semester units at the collegiate level in the following subject areas: guidance principles and techniques, personality development, occupational and industrial information, tests and measurements or other courses relating to counselor preparation.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Basic principles of vocational guidance; individual differences; principles of individual appraisal, including interviewing, occupational testing, and evaluation of personal traits; personality development and adjustment; psychology of occupations, including such concepts as aptitudes, motivation and interests; and the Employment Service Program.
Ability to: Gather and analyze data and reason logically and accurately; comprehend written material and interpret and apply rules and instructions; speak and write effectively; analyze situations clearly and take effective action; meet and deal effectively with individuals and representatives of community organizations; inspire respect and confidence of others; communicate effectively with clientele; relate to members of all ethnic, racial and disability groups and be sensitive to community group needs.
