Career Counselor, Boston Public Library, MA

Posted December 13, 2021

Description:

Under direction of the Community Learning Supervisor, responsible for carrying out the library’s workforce development program in the neighborhoods, both in branches and in non-library locations, and to assist jobseekers in key areas such as career discovery and planning, interviewing skills, resume writing, certification preparation, and then connecting clients with jobs through career fairs, and other placement opportunities.

Responsibilities:

1. Under direction of the Community Learning supervisor and working with the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center, plans and manages the services, related to workforce preparation and development in the neighborhoods.
2. Works with Community Learning supervisor on the selection, development, and evaluation of workforce development-related staff in the department,
3. Counsel individual jobseekers, working with them to aid in the development of employment plans that incorporate both hard and soft skills.
4. Conduct group workshops on a variety of topics, including writing resumes and cover letters, successful job interviewing, using library career development resources, research certificate programs, and more.
5. Assist jobseekers to craft a long-term plan for reaching their career objectives. 
6. Connect jobseekers to additional resources such as vocational training, counseling services, financial aid, or other state and local assistance as needed.
7. Plan, publicize and implement the library’s workforce development-related programs and events such as workshops, job fairs, and orientation sessions.
8. Participates in developing and presenting outreach and programming activities to promote use of the Library’s collections and services in the area of career & workforce development. Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on assigned activities within the department.
9. Provides instruction to the public on a variety of topics, including the use of library resources, and other personal and professional skill-building programs especially focused on those skills useful to patrons seeking business or career-related information.
10. Oversees the development of interactive relationships with relevant organizations and institutions that provide career counseling and other job search assistance.
11. Develops relationships with recruitment firms and organizations involved in hiring to create pipelines for jobseekers working with the library’s workforce development program.
12. Engages in library wide collaborative outreach to and with colleagues throughout the library system.
13. Assists in the training of professional and support staff and in the orientation of both staff and members of the public to the services of the department.
14. Assists with analysis of aspects of related services, operations, and collections and recommends improvements to enhance public service.
15. Assumes administrative responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the department in the absence of the department head or other ranking staff member.
16. Keeps current in the best practices of the career counseling profession by taking advantage of training and development activities, by reading professional literature, and by participating in professional activities.
17. Actively participates in system-wide committees, training and other professional activities.
18. Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Proficiency with MSWord, Publisher, Power Point, and Excel.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well with staff and public.
• Familiarity with Google Worksplace and Microsoft Teams.

Qualifications:

1. Education – A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized college or university and a Master’s Degree in career counseling or similar field required. A Master’s Degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited library school desirable. Pertinent subject knowledge and/or specialized training required. In exceptional instances specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for a part or all of the educational requirements. Career Counselor certification preferred.
2. Experience – Four years of professional experience. Experience with course development and presentation in career-related fields. Proficiency in standard computer applications, spreadsheets, databases, and the Internet. Experience with course development software preferred. Excellent knowledge of online communications and social networking tools.
3. Proficiency in a second language other than English desirable.

Requirements:

1. Some evening and weekend hours.  Ability to travel to off-site locations.
2. Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
3. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

How to Apply:

For more information about this position, visit: Boston.gov