Licensed Career Counselor

Job Title: Licensed Career Counselor

Department: OhioMeansJobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga

Reports To: WIOA Job Seeker Services Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Union Status: Non-Union

Salary: $57,000-60,000

Position Summary

The Licensed Career Counselor provides career coaching, counseling-informed case management, and supportive services to WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker participants through the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) system. This position integrates career development, psychosocial support, and strengths-based coaching to assist participants in overcoming employment barriers and achieving sustainable, unsubsidized employment.

Working within the scope of licensure and WIOA regulations, the Career Coach applies social work and professional counseling principles, including trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, crisis response, and ethical practice, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local workforce policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Comprehensive Assessment

• Complete comprehensive biopsychosocial and employability assessments to identify strengths, barriers, employment readiness, and supportive service needs.
• Assess for non-clinical indicators such as housing instability, transportation barriers, financial stress, recent job loss trauma, and work-related mental health impacts.
• Administer and interpret career assessments (e.g., interests, work values, aptitudes) and translate results into the next practical steps.

Career Coaching & Counseling-Informed Services

• Provide individualized and group career coaching using counseling-based techniques, including motivational interviewing, solution-focused strategies, and strengths-based approaches.
• Support participants navigating job loss, career transition, workplace stress, and economic displacement, particularly for Dislocated Workers.
• Facilitate goal setting, decision-making, and problem-solving related to employment, training, and career pathways.
• Provide short-term clinical supportive counseling within scope of licensure to stabilize participants and strengthen engagement in workforce services, which may include referral to clinical mental health and/or substance use services. Provide appropriate referrals and warm handoffs as needed.

Individual Employment Planning & Case Management

• Develop and maintain IEPs that integrate employment goals with supportive services, barrier-reduction strategies, and measurable benchmarks.
• Provide ongoing case management, including monitoring participant progress, service utilization, participation, and goal attainment.
• Assist participants in navigating post-placement workplace challenges using coaching, communication, and conflict-resolution strategies.
• Coordinate allowable WIOA supportive services and referrals to community-based resources and partner programs, ensuring documentation meets program standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the Ohio workforce case management system (e.g., Aries or successor), including case notes, services, plans, and outcomes.

Crisis Response, Ethics & Professional Standards

• Respond appropriately to participant crises related to employment instability, financial hardship, or emotional distress, following organizational protocols.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical standards consistent with Ohio licensure requirements.
• Ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and appropriate documentation in all participant interactions.
• Participate in supervision, consultation, and professional development to maintain licensure and enhance service quality.

Collaboration, Performance & Compliance

• Collaborate with OhioMeansJobs partners, employers, training providers, and community agencies to support integrated workforce services and coordinated referrals.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case staffing and service coordination to support complex participant needs.
• Support WIOA monitoring, audits, data validation, and corrective action processes through strong documentation and compliance practices.

Required Qualifications

• Active Ohio professional license, such as:
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or (LPCC)
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
• Preferred: Additional relevant credentials/training in career development, coaching, MI, trauma-informed practice, or workforce programs
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, human services, psychology, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience providing counseling, coaching, or case management services to adults, preferably in workforce development, community-based, or social service settings.
• Experience working with individuals affected by layoffs, job displacement, economic hardship, or long-term unemployment preferred.
• Knowledge of WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Office-based and virtual service delivery within an OhioMeansJobs center or partner location
• Occasional local travel to employer sites, training providers, or partner agencies
• Frequent phone/video/in-person appointments; computer-based work required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (sitting/standing)
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via video platform
• Ability to move throughout the worksite and attend offsite meetings locally as needed
• (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

Compliance / Other

• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to all applicable federal/state regulations, funder requirements, and organizational policies
• Position may be grant-funded and contingent on continued funding (if applicable)
• Background check required

Pay: $57,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person