Employment Counselor (26786)

Lutheran Social Service MN is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize and rewards employees. Consider joining us!

As the Employment Counselor for Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) your primary purpose is to assist participants who are faced with severe barriers to employment move into the workforce and gain self-sufficiency and to obtain and maintain employment. This position maintains an active case load and also develops employer relationships for the purpose of placements.

This position will interact closely with the entire employment services team. It will be responsible for ensuring that certain MFIP measures are met regarding case management. Participants who are enrolled in the program will come from the Hennepin County metro area.

Job Code: 26786

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; significant professional experience may substitute for formal education at the discretion of the hiring manager
• Experience working with diverse populations in an employment counseling or rehabilitation setting is preferred
• Intermediate computer skills, including internet, email, Microsoft Office, and ability to learn program specific software/database applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; effective interpersonal relation skills
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities
• This position requires a high level of detail and mandates that employee has both the ability to recall significant amounts of information as well as document and remain organized.
• Maintain a friendly and firm disposition since the employee will be working, regularly, with clients that are stressed, frustrated, or otherwise experiencing difficulties
• Be receptive to the nature of social work in the U.S. including the concepts of boundaries, confidentiality and empowerment
• Must have access to reliable transportation
• Knowledge of community resources
• Draw on problem-solving skills in order to resolve conflicts and build bridges between clients, employer, employees, etc.
• Sensitivity towards issues that affect a person’s ability to obtain and retain employment
• Think analytically and creatively when assessing a participant’s needs and making recommendations for service
• Able to concentrate in a busy office environment and respond to frequent interruptions
• Sensitivity toward issues such as alcoholism, domestic abuse, homelessness, mental illness, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities
• Able to work with and relate effectively to people from a variety of socio-economic, racial, faith and cultural background

Lutheran Social Service of MN is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety and respect.

LSS employees have deeply meaningful work that changes lives, the opportunity for their unique gifts to shine and grow, and abundant and balanced lives.