Counselor - Men’s Community Transition Service Center; MCTSC

Employment Counselor - Men’s Community Transition Service Center (MCTSC)

Job Code: 2026-CSCA-002

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Men’s Community Transition Service Center

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Summary

The Employment Counselor provides employment readiness, career planning, and supportive services to justice‑involved participants at the Men ’ s Community Transition Service Center (MCTSC) and Swigart Supportive Housing. The role focuses on reducing employment barriers, promoting self‑sufficiency, and supporting successful community reintegration. The counselor also coordinates with WCS Employment & Training Services to enroll eligible participants in the Food Share Employment & Training (FSET) program and ensure compliant, effective service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct individualized employment assessments to identify career goals, skill levels, strengths, and employment barriers.
• Develop tailored employment plans that outline job readiness activities, training opportunities, and job placement steps.
• Provide coaching on resume writing, interview techniques, workplace expectations, and soft skill development.
• Facilitate employment readiness workshops, group sessions, and job clubs for residents at both facilities.
• Coordinate referrals to vocational training, apprenticeships, education programs, and community‑based employers.
• Screen and recruit participants for Food Share eligibility and guide them through the FSET enrollment process.
• Collaborate with WCS Employment and Training Services to ensure seamless service delivery and compliance with guidelines.
• Assist participants with obtaining essential documents (IDs, Social Security card, work authorization, etc.).
• Address barriers to employment, including transportation, legal issues, and digital literacy.
• Support reentry success through life‑skills coaching, community referrals, and ongoing encouragement.
• Monitor participant progress and provide crisis intervention or problem‑solving support when needed.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local employers willing to hire justice‑involved individuals.
• Coordinate hiring events, employer presentations, and job placement activities.
• Act as a liaison between participants, employers, and community partners to support job retention.
• Maintain complete and timely documentation in accordance with agency, DOC, and FSET requirements.
• Prepare reports, track outcomes, and provide data for audits or program evaluations.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with all policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience: 2–3 years of experience working with justice‑involved individuals, reentry programs, workforce development, or case management preferred.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database or case‑management systems.
• Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms and digital communication tools.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate groups, lead workshops, and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Must pass a criminal background check and meet requirements for working in correctional or community settings.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Organizational

Skills:

Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines efficiently.

Technical Proficiency: Skilled in computer operations, data entry, and typing (minimum 45 WPM). Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; comfortable with online platforms and communication tools.

Communication

Skills:

Ability to build positive relationships with employers, training providers, and community partners. Strong networking skills to broaden employment opportunities for participants.

Time Management: Ability to manage a large caseload and prioritize multiple deadlines. Strong organizational skills and the ability to…