Lead Career Counselor
Lakeview Heights, Kentucky•Full-time
$45,000+ annually
$45,000+ annually
About the Job
The Lead Career Counselor provides comprehensive career guidance and support to individuals participating in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program across the TENCO region, serving Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Montgomery, Robertson, and Rowan Counties. Working closely with the Workforce Development Manager, this position ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations while promoting high-quality service delivery. The Lead Career Counselor serves as a key resource to staff by providing technical assistance, facilitating team meetings, supporting eligibility determinations, and offering coverage during staff vacancies. In addition to maintaining a limited caseload, this role requires regular travel to three Kentucky Career Centers and one Access Point within the region to provide staff training and mentorship. The Lead Career Counselor is expected to uphold strict confidentiality at all times.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Administration: Involves delivering comprehensive career services while supporting program operations, staff development, and compliance across the TENCO region. This duty will consist of:
- Interview customers to assess career interests, skills, and employment goals;
- Conduct outreach and recruitment activities to engage targeted populations and promote WIOA services across the region;
- Determine eligibility for WIOA, Trade, and other applicable programs, and assist Career Counselors with eligibility determinations as needed;
- Develop, implement, and maintain Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) that identify strengths, barriers, goals, and required services;
- Develop and oversee individual training accounts for occupational skills training;
- Provide career/employment guidance through an understanding of labor market data, local job opportunities, and community resources;
- Provide intensive monthly case management to individuals enrolled in the program under the position’s case load;
- Facilitate workshops on career center services, employability skills, and workforce readiness;
- Assist individuals in accessing training opportunities, including on-the-job training, work experience, customized training, incumbent worker programs, and transitional employment;
- Maintain accurate and timely hard copy and electronic case records in compliance with all policies and regulations;
- Work, in conjunction with the Workforce Development Manager, to ensure program compliance with all federal and state program regulations;
- Assist with program monitoring, internal reviews, and quality control efforts to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to policies and procedures;
- Provide individuals with information on local area performance measures;
- Provide individuals with performance and program costs of eligible providers of education and training services;
- Support Business Services by assisting with job orders, job fairs, hiring events, outreach, and rapid response activities;
- Deliver core career services such as resume development, interview preparation, and job search assistance;
- Refer individuals to partner agencies and supportive services as appropriate;
- Complete accurate and timely documentation as required by the law, regulation, and policy;
- Collaborate with community partners, including education providers, employers, economic development, and other workforce areas; and
- Participate in partner meetings and other meetings essential to program success.
Regional Support: Involves providing ongoing support to the Career Counselors across the TENCO region by offering technical assistance, facilitating team meetings, and delivering on-site training and mentorship. This duty will consist of:
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to Career Counselors to ensure consistent and effective service delivery;
- Facilitate regular team meetings with Career Counselors to share updates, address challenges, and promote best practices;
- Create and run reports to ensure contract performance requirements are met;
- Provide consultation and assist in the development, implementation, and revision of policies and procedures with GADD and TENCO to ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and effective service delivery;
- Travel to Kentucky Career Centers and the Access Point within the TENCO region to provide on-site support, training, and mentorship; and
- Assist with staff coverage during vacancies or absences as needed.
Other Duties: Involves any other tasks and assistance needed to support the organization.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a human services or business-related field from an accredited college or university. Applicants with less than a bachelor’s degree may be considered with documented two (2) to four (4) years’ of pertinent experience.
Certification and Trainings:
- Valid driver’s license required. Additional certifications may be required upon hiring. Employees may be expected to attend professional development trainings relating to specialties.
Experience:
- Intermediate – Professional Level Position. Two (2) or more years of related work experience in workforce development and/or non-profit or governmental organization is required. Four (4) or more years of related work experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Sit for extended periods of time; stand and walk for extended periods of time; reach, stoop, crouch, and bend; ascend/descend ladders; fine motor skills; operate a vehicle; and ability to lift and carry 30 pounds.
Sensory Requirements:
- Sight; Hearing; Speaking
Working Conditions:
- Indoor office conditions; requires intermittent standing, sitting, or stooping; work requires consistent use of computer and phone systems as well as other general office equipment; and frequent interruptions.
Availability and Travel:
- Normal business hours; nights/weekends (special events/training/local meetings); and travel within region and state.
Tools, Equipment, and Vehicle Use:
- Standard office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, phones, etc.); and fleet/personal vehicle(s).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Local businesses and industries;
- Employment and training laws, Civil Rights laws relating to employment, education and training, and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
- Non-profit operations, organizations, functions, and challenges.
Skills:
- Oral and written communication with diverse populations;
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel);
- Attention to detail;
- Use of computers and other office equipment;
- Reasoning, problem-solving, and organization;
- Analytical skills;
- Establishing and sustaining interpersonal relationships; and
- Organizing and maintaining accurate files and records.
Abilities:
- Be present and punctual;
- Provide services in a professional manner and maintain constructive working relationships;
- Work in a fast-paced environment;
- Analyze data and formulate policies and procedures;
- Prioritize work and meet deadlines;
- Work under stressful situations with patience and tact;
- Flexible in scheduling;
- Teamwork;
- Maintain confidentiality;
- Project a good image and friendly personality when greeting callers/visitors; and
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, officials, and the public.
This position will remain open until filled.
Gateway Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
This position can be based out of the Ashland, Maysville, or Morehead Kentucky Career Center.
About Gateway Area Development District
Gateway Area Development District (GADD) is the regional council of government and federally designated Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, along with the federally designated Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration, serving Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties in east-central Kentucky since 1969. GADD is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of elected officials from the counties and communities within the region as well as non-elected citizen members representing the region’s social and economic institutions. GADD board and staff are committed to the regional planning, promotion, and coordination of programs for community, infrastructure, economic, and social development.