Abolished 10/07
COUNSELOR
4048A6
Pay Grade: 24
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is specialized, technical work involving employment service
counseling for individuals presenting unusual job placement problems.
Work involves assessing job applicants' skills, knowledge,
aptitude and abilities, and analyzing and evaluating job placement difficulties. Standard
occupational guides, test batteries, and special programs are used to assist in the
development of suitable occupational plans for applicants. Considerable contact is
required with employers and private and public agencies in an effort to place applicants
with occupational disabilities.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…"
Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and
are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of
established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred
to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to
established policies and requirements.
Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is
confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in
turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration.
Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of
conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may
involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due
to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which
may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in
solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent
judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with
supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or
technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed
occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be
significant.
Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence,
motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common
understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the
individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well
developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.
Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary
and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated;
however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves
normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or
libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent
in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is
only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership
responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Rehabilitation Counselor class series which
involves counseling, vocational guidance and placement work in the rehabilitation of
physically and/or mentally disabled persons.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Interviews applicants having job choice or job adjustment problems
to identify factors influencing these problems; assists applicants in analyzing and
evaluating their employment assets; provides information to the applicant on job
requirements, occupational opportunities, training programs, and rehabilitation
facilities.
Selects appropriate tests that measure educational level, basic
skill needs, aptitudes and interests; interprets results using standardized methodology
and counsels applicants in relating test results to possible occupational goals.
Contacts employers by telephone and visits to gain firsthand
knowledge of job processes, conditions of employment, and general occupational and
industrial information; provides specific information and direction to placement personnel
in locating and/or developing suitable employment opportunities for applicants.
Provides vocational counseling service to special applicant
groups, such as veterans, high school students, disabled workers, or older workers.
Prepares and maintains records on each counseled applicant and
follows up to determine whether satisfactory progress has been made toward job
adjustments.
Maintains active contacts with vocational, educational,
rehabilitation, and social agencies to gain their support in assisting applicants.
Assists eligible applicants with special training programs.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the principles and practices of vocational
counseling.
*Knowledge of the principles and methods of individual appraisal,
including interviewing, testing, and evaluation of personal traits.
Knowledge of local labor market characteristics, trends, and
employment conditions.
Knowledge of the area's major occupational groups, their essential
requirements for successful performance, and availability of training programs.
Abilities
*Ability to observe and evaluate personal characteristics,
physical capacities, education, work background, potential abilities, and interests of
clients and to interpret these factors in terms of their occupational potential.
*Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with
co-workers, job applicants, employers, and representatives of public and private agencies.
*Ability to select and interpret test results.
*Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Six years
of experience in counseling.
Education may be
substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/94
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05 |