• Job Description

  Req#: 522883

  DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona. DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

  REENTRY EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR

  Job Location:

  Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
  Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA)
  400 West Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701
  www.azdes.gov
  

  Posting Details:

  Salary: $24.2550/ hourly ($50,450.40 annually)
  

  Grade: 18
  

  Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

  Job Summary:

  Would you like to be part of an amazing team that makes Arizona stronger by helping Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance for those in need, and care for the vulnerable? The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video.
  
  The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.
  
  We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Reentry Employment Counselor, with the Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of employment related services to engage, advise, prepare, and match job seekers with Arizona businesses and enable job seekers to: get a job, maintain or strengthen current employment, or build a sustainable career. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions and will include client facing, virtual/digital or telephonic means. Services provided will be for reentry program and will focus on incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations. This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement.
  
  Must be willing and able to work in correctional facilities, parole/probation offices, community agencies, residential centers; and work outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

  Job Duties:

  Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Assess skills, abilities, work history, employment barriers and career interests, retention follow up; develop employment plans; determine eligibility for services; provide information on Labor Market, In-Demand industries, and occupations; and identify and coordinate with formal and informal resources to remove barriers, develop skills, and achieve certifications.
  • Use databases to register & refer job seekers; complete and maintain accurate records and reports for performance and reporting requirements in accordance with quality and quantity standards mandated by various laws, rules and federal regulations.
  • Provide customer service, program information to job seekers, colleagues, and the business community; maintain positive working relationships with local partners, community organizations and other agency personnel; and resolution of customer issues and complaints. Travel to locations within assigned area is required.
  • Attend required training and meetings.

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

  • Knowledge of Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
  • Knowledge of interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies and transferable skills.
  • Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
  • Skill in customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
  • Skill in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
  • Skill in adapting to changing circumstances, staff and client’s needs, and work with interruptions.
  • Proficiency Microsoft Office, Google, data base systems, and computers, and technology-based platforms that interface directly with applicants and job seekers such as Google Meets, Zoom, and other video conferencing technologies to interview participants, elicit information, assess skills, knowledge, ability, work history and interest while maintaining client confidentiality.
  • Ability to learn & apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, to include Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, Department of Corrections, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to strictly adhere to Correctional department policies and procedures.
  • Ability to plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of diverse teams.
  • Ability to work in a correctional facility and react quickly in emergency situations.
  • Ability to remain professional, calm, and adapt communication style with diverse customer needs or customers that are frustrated.
  

  Selective Preference(s):

  The ideal candidate for this position will have:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two (2) years of experience in public contact or customer service work experience, employment counseling or recruitment.
  • Experience in a correctional facility.

  Pre-Employment Requirements:

  • Must complete all corrections designated training within one (1) month of hire and remain current with all corrections required training.
  • Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
  • Candidate shall have or meet the requirements to obtain prior to their first day of employment, a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
  • Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
  • All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
  • This position will require a current, valid Arizona Driver’s License. This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business; therefore, the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

  Benefits:

  The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
  
  • Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  • Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  • Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
  • Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  • Deferred compensation plan
  • Wellness plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Stipend Opportunities
  • Infant at Work Program
  • Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
  • Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
  • Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

  Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

  Retirement:

  State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
  
  On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

  Contact Us:

  For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Maritza Duffy at 602-679-5360 or email maritzaduffy@azdes.gov.
  
  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (602) 679-5360 or emailing maritzaduffy@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

• About the company

  Arizona is on a mission to become the #1 state in the nation in which to live, work, play, get an education, and retire. Arizona state government plays a vital role in making this happen, and in order to maximize our potential the State of Arizona must operate in way that demonstrates a business-like approach. We are looking for enthusiastic and talented people to join the team.

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