Title:            WorkFirst New Jersey Case Manager
Department: Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center
                   Greater Raritan Workforce Investment Board (WIB)
Division:       Raritan Valley Community College, Corporate & Continuing Education
Reports to:   One Stop Operator and Program Manager
Grade:          6     (100% Grant funded position with benefits)

Function:
Provide a range of job seeker services to WorkFirst New Jersey Customers including orientation, counseling, assessment, development of action plans, tracking and case management, coaching, referral to and follow-up on job retention and support services and implementation of workshops as needed. The Case Manager is also responsible for tracking performance and monitoring all assigned WorkFirst NJ Contracts and ensuring the smooth flow of customers between One Stop Career Center Partners to ensure the WFNJ customers are continually engaged in a service as they strive to achieve a training and employment goal.

Job Responsibilities:
• Determines suitability for approved WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ) programs such as SMART Steps, CAVP, EEI, etc. Tracks performance and submits required reports.
• Facilitates the career-planning process including short, mid and long term action planning.
• Designs and conducts job seeker assessments. Completes, updates and utilizes the Employability Plan Tool and Individual Responsibility Plan, Comprehensive Assessment information as necessary. Updates AOSOS data base as required.
• Coordinates with the Somerset County Board of Social Services, Hunterdon County Division of Social Services, Non-Consolidated Social Service Agencies, Employment Service, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment and other One Stop Partner Agencies to coordinate services to referred job seekers. Attends monthly or as needed Case Conferencing Meetings. Communication with Social Services includes the reporting of service data into OMEGA system visa direct data entry or prompt communication with county welfare staff for OMEGA data entry.
• Generates and tracks job seeker referrals to partner agencies, training sites and other companies, develops tracking processes and reports and provides ongoing communication between these partners.
• Assists One Stop Operator in the implementation of monthly WorkFirst New Jersey Partner Meetings through communication with Partners, preparation of materials and completion of minutes.
• Provides on-going case management and retention services including, monitoring and evaluation of job seeker progress, coaching and mentoring soliciting job seeker feedback, etc.
• Administers and interprets test or arranges for more in depth diagnostic, testing when necessary.
• Coordinates and conducts resume writing and other job seeking workshops
• Provides follow up and arranges referrals to supportive services or alternate services when necessary.
• Data enters and tracks case management information for job seekers’ file.
• Conducts vendor monitoring to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Provides information regarding alternate sources of training funds when possible, i.e. tuition waiver, Pell grant, Individual Training Accounts etc
• Working knowledge of the One-Stop Partner Programs, eligibility and referral process.
• Knowledge of legislation and regulations for programs administered by the One Stop and WFNJ.
• Accepts ownership and responsibility for providing the One Stop Career Center with high quality, accurate, complete and timely services. Exhibits willingness to modify role and responsibilities, as business needs dictate.
• Maintains and prepares participant and financial reports as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:
Tailors specific response, information and services offered to meet job seekers or team members needs. Responds flexibly to changes in work practices, services, policies, procedures, technology and trends. Adjusts to varying needs and social styles of customers and team members.
• Seeks and explores alternatives and otherwise follows through to meet job seeker needs where conflict with policies or typical practices exists.
• Adapts to circumstances and responds to specific needs, rather than focusing on a single solution.
• Adapts to shifts between diverse request and priorities.
• Works to avoid backlog that delay service delivery
Listens to and effectively expresses ideas related to departmental policies and procedures by job seekers and partners.
• Explains benefits to job seekers and customizes information to ensure understanding.
• Maintains confidentiality in dealing with all job seeker information.
• Exhibits the oral and written skills required by the job.

Acquires new skills and maintains knowledge of industry trends, practices compliance issues and new technology.
• Applied in-dept knowledge of job and/or task analysis methodologies, training curricula, and development and performance management strategies.
• Attends training classes, conferences, workshops and meetings for the continuous improvement of individual, technical and professional knowledge.
• Responsible for continually improving individual, technical and professional knowledge.

Logically gathers and analyzes information related to organizational objectives. Formulates and refines commendations, offers solutions and makes decisions based on sound judgment.
• Investigates customer service issues and provides recommendations and counsel to partner agencies and outside companies.
• Provides basic assessment of training needs and tailors services to fit each individual.
• Knows when to act independently and when to seek supervisors’ assistance.

Demonstrates One-Stop Career Center teamwork, commitment to quality, integrity and respect for individuals, in all aspects for job performance.
• Implements organizational vision and mission with the accounting department.
• Works in partnership with others to achieve business objectives.
• Creates a good physical environment and projects a positive attitude.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s including or supplemented by 15 semester hour credits in vocational guidance or other courses directly related to vocational counseling. One year experience in vocational guidance counseling required, Master’s preferred. A qualified counselor defined by the Commissioner of LWD, P>L> 2004, Chapter 39. Fluent in Spanish preferred. Excellent communication skills, Microsoft Office suite proficiency required. State Counseling Certification required.