Oct 16, 2018
Full time
CAREER ADVISOR - * GRANT FUNDED Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity
*Note: This is a grant funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding. The position opens Tuesday, October 16, 2018 and the final filing date is Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at 5:00 pm. The City of Sunnyvale is seeking to fill the position of Career Advisor with the NOVA Workforce Services Department. Hosted by the City of Sunnyvale, NOVA provides grant-funded workforce development services to job seekers and businesses in northern Santa Clara County and in San Mateo County. The Career Advisor supports individuals in all aspects of the job search process including assessing their needs, setting goals, developing a job search plan and strategy and providing encouragement. They also facilitate a variety of job search workshops to prepare customers for employment. The ideal candidate will have experience identifying the specific needs of individual job seekers and providing guidance through all stages of the job search process: defining career focus, developing marketing materials, implementing job search strategies, and preparing for interviews. Candidates must be skilled in facilitating one-on-one advising appointments as well as group services. Candidates are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the local labor market. This is an opportunity to make a difference in someone's career journey by providing support, guidance, and concrete strategies that result in employment for our customers.
Essential Job Functions
(May include, but are not limited to, the following):
Evaluates applicant's background, skills and training needs relative to program services, including occupational skills, technical skills and job readiness; determines applicant's eligibility in accordance with the established program guidelines, including Workforce Development employment and training programs.
Manages an active caseload, assisting with vocational counseling and training and career exploration; refer clients to a variety of internal and external resources; ensures that services are accessible to all clients.
Evaluates clients' occupational training needs; administers vocational assessment instruments; and develops training plans designed to address client's needs.
Develops and maintains relationships with high schools, training providers, professional associations and service providers.
Coordinate activities for targeted populations, including linkages with subagents and community services.
Contacts employers to develop direct placement and on-the-job training positions.
Assists in the marketing of department programs to employers, clients, high-schools and community agencies.
Assists in the development, maintenance and modification of program unit policies and procedures in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations.
Maintains statistical data relative to program objectives, including client and contractual information.
Maintains participant records; completes a variety of employment and training documents, accurately and in a timely and auditable manner in accordance with department MIS and fiscal requirements.
Facilitates the day-to-day operations of job search networking organizations; assists with the development and implementation of program policies and procedures; provides coaching and mentorship to program volunteers; assists with workshop content development and implementation.
Identifies, coordinates for or provides for the presentation of information on job search related topics and program resources.
Assists in service provider contract developments modification and on-going monitoring for contract compliance.
Maintains a thorough knowledge of various employment and training resources and be able to refer applicants as appropriate.
Assists in the Provision of training for staff including material preparation, specific training presentations and regular feedback.
Collaborates with management and co-workers and provide technical consultation in areas of expertise.
May direct and lead the activities of specific program unit part-time and temporary personnel.
WORKING CONDITIONS Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 10 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in behavioral science, psychology, vocational training or a related field AND
One year of experience in career advising, recruiting human resources or other related experience
Knowledge of:
Standard vocational testing assessment instruments and their application within the employment and training environment
Job search skills and strategies relative to obtaining employment within the local labor market.
Issues affecting clients of various cultures and socio-economic background.
Employment issues specific to target populations, such as at-risk youth, individuals with disabilities, older adults, dislocated workers and the economically disadvantaged.
Disability resources.
Principles of effective career advising techniques.
Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
Ability to:
Learn appropriate Federal, State and local regulations, government employment and training programs including procurement procedures, program implementation and monitoring.
Complete complex documentation while interviewing clients.
Identify client's needs and provide internal and external resources to meet those needs.
Identify reasonable accommodations to ensure clients have access to services and programs.
Develop and negotiate vocational training agreements with employers and/or classroom training vendors.
Analyze and resolve issues with assigned program.
Effectively relate to the public under stressful conditions.
Develop and present professional public presentations.
Maintain precise records and record keeping systems.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local regulations and procedures.
Access and analyze local labor market information and incorporate into specific program models for both individuals and program units.
Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities to meet deadlines.
Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Willingness to:
Work irregular hours, evenings and weekends as required.
Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in State or Federally-funded employment and training programs or related social services agencies.
Application and Selection Process
APPLICATION PROCESS If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on City Jobs or application materials may be submitted to: Department of Human Resources, 505 West Olive Avenue, Suite 200, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
EXAM PROCESS Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Wednesday, December 5, 2018 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources). SELECTION PROCESS Candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department. Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA). The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.
When applying, please note that you saw the job posted on the NOVA Job Board. If you need help with your resumé, please see a NOVA Career Advisor.