Position: Career Placement Counselor
Department: Employment Team

Location: Hennepin, Anoka, Scott, Carver, Ramsey, Washington, and Dakota Counties
Hours: (FT) Exempt position, typically Monday-Friday, 7a – 4p, schedule varies based on the need of the job site(s); attendance at evening functions and meetings may be required.
Hiring Range: $37,440 - $42,557/yr

About Us:
Since 1965, Lifeworks Services Inc. has been a champion for inclusion. Lifeworks was founded by families who recognized the importance of advocacy and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities to be part of the community.
As an industry leader, Lifeworks continues our commitment to self-determined support, careers with competitive wages, and developing innovative opportunities that enhance everyday lives. Through services that provide choice and build community – as well as through partnerships with over 500 businesses – Lifeworks serves more than 3,000 Minnesotans with disabilities and their families each year.

Position Overview:
Lifeworks is seeking a full-time Career Placement Counselor to assist people with disabilities in discovering their strengths and interests while supporting them to secure employment using an individualized approach to job development. This position serves more of the northern East Metro area, primarily Hennepin, Anoka, Scott, Carver, Ramsey, Washington, and Dakota Counties, and is considered a “work remote” position. Daily travel within the service area is required. The Career Placement Counselor uses various job development standards such as: Customized Employment and the Discovery Process, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other methods to facilitate job development for individuals. A successful candidate will be proactive in using a person-centered approach to help individuals define their employment strengths, needs, interests, and abilities. Incumbent will facilitate the process of personal discovery for clients and assist in the creation of standard and visual resumes, as well as supporting job seekers with interviewing and onboarding.


Responsibilities:

• Facilitate job development using a variety of standards and methods for individuals seeking employment.
• Support development of individuals’ resumes in both standard and visual formats.
• Engage with individuals’ support teams to gather information that supports and further defines the individuals’ career goals.
• Support individuals to develop interview skills and assist securing interview appointments.
• Write career plans that outline each individual’s career goals.
• Manage a fluid caseload of individuals in various stages of career development and collaborate with other employment team members to ensure coordinated supports for individuals.


Minimum Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in career counseling, vocational counseling, human services or related field and a minimum of one year of work experience in career planning or conducting assessments; or an associate degree in human services or a related field and three years of work experience; or a combination of education and work experience to equal five years.
• Engaging interpersonal skills which build rapport with people with disabilities and their support teams.
• Commitment to person-centered service delivery; person-centered facilitation training and experience preferred; self-directed and motivated to help people with disabilities to define and attain their employment goals.
• Must be comfortable working independently in the field and using remote communication using phone, text and email.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and deadlines; ability to work on multiple projects with changing priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Excel, Outlook, Work and SharePoint, in addition to introductory data base applications.
• Candidate must pass a background study and driving record check; physical and drug screen; a valid driver’s license; proof of motor vehicle insurance; and access to a reliable vehicle for work driving purposes.


Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Customized Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation and other individualized job development standards.
• Engaged and involved member of the community; memberships with community organizations, such as Chamber of Commerce or similar groups preferred.
• Experience supporting people with Autism.

Benefits: Lifeworks offers a comprehensive benefits package:
• 10 paid holidays
• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year
• Medical and dental insurance at a low cost
• 403b retirement plan with company match
• Tuition reimbursement program

Lifeworks Services is committed to hiring people from a variety of diverse cultures with diverse life experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status; genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Lifeworks Services is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

To apply, email a resume and cover letter to careers@lifeworks.org