Job Description: Career Counselor
Position: Career Counselor
Department: Social Sciences - Psychology
Reports to: Director of Career Counseling
Job Summary:
The Career Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive career counseling services to individuals seeking guidance in their career development and planning. The incumbent will utilize their expertise in psychology to assess clients' skills, interests, and goals, and provide personalized advice and support to help them make informed career decisions. The role requires excellent communication skills, strong knowledge of career development theories, and the ability to facilitate career exploration and decision-making processes.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Conduct individual career counseling sessions to assist clients in evaluating their skills, interests, and values, and to help them identify suitable career options.
2. Administer and interpret career assessments, including aptitude and personality tests, to provide clients with accurate insights into their strengths and areas for development.
3. Collaborate with clients to develop personalized career plans, setting realistic goals and action steps to achieve career objectives.
4. Provide guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, interview techniques, and networking to support clients' successful transition into the workforce or career advancement.
5. Stay up-to-date with current labor market trends, industry demands, and educational pathways to offer relevant and accurate career advice.
6. Facilitate group workshops and seminars on various career-related topics such as career exploration, job market trends, and professional development.
7. Maintain accurate and confidential client records, documenting counseling sessions, assessments, and recommended resources.
8. Collaborate with faculty, employers, and alumni to promote career-related events, internship opportunities, and job placements for students and clients.
9. Participate in professional development activities, including conferences, workshops, and trainings, to enhance counseling skills and stay informed about best practices in the field.
10. Contribute to the continuous improvement of career counseling services through evaluation and feedback processes.
Qualifications and Skills:
1. Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, Career Counseling, or a closely related field.
2. Professional certification or licensure in career counseling (e.g., National Career Development Association's Certified Career Counselor) is highly desirable.
3. Proven experience in providing career counseling services, preferably in an educational or university setting.
4. Strong knowledge and understanding of career development theories, assessment tools, and resources.
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with diverse individuals.
6. Demonstrated ability to effectively assess clients' needs, provide guidance, and develop personalized career plans.
7. Proficient in administering and interpreting career assessments (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator).
8. Familiarity with job search strategies, labor market trends, and employment resources.
9. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and employers to meet the career development needs of clients.
10. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
11. Ethical and professional conduct, respecting confidentiality and maintaining the highest standards of counseling practice.
Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it.