Overview
Career Development & Job Placement Counselors I/II/III Jobs in Anacortes at Samish Indian Nation
The Career Development & Job Placement Counselor provides career development, job readiness, employment placement, and retention services to eligible participants under the P.L. 102‑477 Career & Education Pathways Program. This position is integral to the P.L. 102‑477 Career & Education Pathways framework, supporting seamless coordination between education, training, and employment services to help participants progress along defined career pathways toward sustainable employment and economic self‑sufficiency. This position reports to the Career Development & Job Placement Director and works closely with the Career & Education Pathways Support Specialist and Education Pathways staff.
This position is established as a tiered classification (Counselor I, II, III) to reflect increasing levels of responsibility, complexity, professional judgment, and leadership within the program.
Why work for Samish?
The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!
Benefits Summary
- Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
- Flexible work schedule potential
- Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
- Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
- Annual & Sick Leave
- Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
- Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
- Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Evaluations with potential wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually
- Provide career development, employment counseling, and job placement services to eligible 477 participants
- Conduct assessments of participant skills, interests, employment barriers, and readiness
- Provide employment counseling, job placement, and retention support to participants with disabilities, including coordination of reasonable accommodations and referrals or supportive services as appropriate
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized employment plans
- Assist participants with resumes, applications, interviews, and job search strategies
- Coordinate employment placements, internships, work experience, and on‑the‑job training
- Support employment retention through follow‑up, coaching, and problem‑solving
- Coordinate services with Education Pathways, Support Services, training providers, and community partners
- Maintain accurate case files, documentation, and outcome tracking in compliance with 477 requirements
- Ensure services comply with applicable federal, tribal, and funding regulations
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with employers and partner organizations
- Participate in program planning, reporting, and continuous improvement activities
- Perform other duties as assigned
Tiered Classification Distinctions
Counselor I – Entry / Foundational $23.52 – $29.50
- Provides services under guidance and supervision
- Works with lower‑ to moderate‑barrier participants including vocational rehabilitation
- Follows established service plans, procedures, and documentation standards
- Builds foundational knowledge of 477 eligibility, reporting, and compliance
- Assists senior counselors with complex cases
Counselor II – Journey‑Level $26.50 – $33.50
- Independently manages a full caseload
- Works with moderate‑ to higher‑barrier participants including vocational rehabilitation
- Develops and manages individualized employment plans
- Coordinates job placements, internships, and employer partnerships
- Supports employment retention and outcome tracking
- Provides informal mentoring or guidance to Counselor I staff
Counselor III – Senior / Lead $30.48 – $37.43
- Manages the most complex participant cases including vocational rehabilitation
- Serves as a lead counselor and subject‑matter resource
- Supports employer engagement and sector‑based workforce strategies
- Assists with program development, quality assurance, and outcome analysis
- Provides technical guidance and coaching to Counselor I and II staff
- Represents the program in meetings, partnerships, and initiatives as assigned
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
2. 0–2 years of related employment, workforce, or human services experience
Counselor II
4. 2–5 years of workforce development, employment services, vocational rehabilitation, or case management experience
Counselor III
7. Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible workforce development or employment services experience
All Tiers
Preferred Qualifications:
**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**
Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.
Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)
Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry. Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.
CONFIDENTIALITY: This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members. The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual. Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation.
Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter. Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring. BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.
All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.
This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position. The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.
Title: Career Development & Job Placement Counselors I/II/III
Company: Samish Indian Nation
Location: Anacortes