Employment Specialist/Job Coach

More than a job, a mission! Make a difference when you provide job training and guidance to community members to change their lives through the power of work.

We are more than just selling donations, we use the funds generated to provide employment services, digital skills training, guide programs, and a school for adult students to obtain their high school diplomas.

Goodwill offers a total rewards package of: competitive wages, annual merit increase eligibility, paid sick time, paid personal days, paid vacation days, 10 paid holidays annually, employee health clinics, dental, medical, HSA, vision, retirement plan, life insurance, student loan forgiveness eligible, employee discount, and mileage reimbursement.

Mission Contribution: Under the leadership of the Director of Employment Services, the Employment Specialist will provide direct service to individuals with barriers to employment. It is the responsibility of the Employment Specialist to deliver direct services that achieve the Goodwill mission by helping people, families, and communities thrive through the power of relationships, education, and work.

Organizational Design: The Employment Specialist is a full-time, salaried position. The Employment Specialist is a member of the Employment Services team in Mission Services and is tasked with serving participants in mission programs. The Employment Specialist works to deliver effective job training to prepare Mission participants for job placement at Goodwill or in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Job Placement and Career Services:

Recruits and introduces individuals to Goodwill programs and services.

Determines each individual’s level of need by identifying vocational strengths, interests, aptitudes, and barriers to employment through assessment and discovery activities.

Develops comprehensive and individualized plans for service that include measurable goals and objectives that will result in optimal employment outcomes for individuals served.

Functions on internal and external teams to deliver seamless services to individuals and ensure that positive relationships are maintained with referral sources, other staff, individuals served, employers, and related stakeholders.

Teaches job search skills to individuals including, but not limited to, developing resumes and applications, identifying job leads, practicing interviewing skills, negotiating job offers, and identifying and arranging accommodations.

Guides individuals in job search by introducing and helping them access available resources including networking with employers, job fairs, workforce development and private job listings, and relevant labor market data.

Develops and maintains new and existing employer relationships by understanding hiring needs and trends. Provides resources to employers regarding tax incentives, accommodations and applicable hiring laws when pertinent.

Engages in business development activities on a regular basis including active participation in internal and external job placement professional groups, networking events and advisory groups as assigned.

Coordinates, refers and supports education or industry training for individuals served as identified in the individual’s plan for services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Retention and Support Services:

Provides advance preparation assistance for individuals served, from the time of placement, to create a supportive and successful foundation for the initial phases of employment.

Coordinates communication with employers as needed to ensure appropriate job supports, accommodations and employment progress.

Facilitates all follow up and retention activities with individuals as determined by their plan, preferences and needs on an ongoing basis.

Reviews career advancement and job growth strategies when relevant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Case Coordination:

Coordinates all placement and retention activity with referral sources, ancillary service providers, internal team members and other identified stakeholders.

Provides comprehensive updates and follow up with individuals, referral sources and/or interdisciplinary team members (as required by funding source or program) regarding progress achieved by individuals being served.

Identifies, coordinates and/or makes referrals for community/support services for barriers outside of work which are impacting the individual’s success in job search or the workplace.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Documentation:

Maintains all individual program files in accordance with applicable procedures, policies, requirements and laws.

Completes all program reports within established timelines and in accordance with applicable program requirements.

Enters information into the designated database or other systems and maintains organized information regarding caseload or program outcomes, trends and other requested information to measure program success.

Coordinates and tracks other pertinent ancillary information that impacts an individual’s services as needed or assigned.

Disseminate and collect feedback and/or satisfaction information for individuals in the programs for submission to appropriate reporting systems.

Completes and submits time and expense reporting information by established deadlines.

Submits billing information and relevant documentation by established deadlines.

Other Duties:

1. Participates in the Evansville Goodwill Industries Business Advisory Council.

2. Models appropriate behavior in line with the Goodwill mission and values.

3. Represents Goodwill in a professional manner.

4. Performs other duties as assigned.

5. Assumes conformance with Goodwill policy, procedures and applicable CARF standards.

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

College credential, Bachelor’s Degree preferred, in human service area of study coupled with a minimum of two years related experience including sales/marketing, recruitment and/or job coaching. Extensive related experience may be accepted in lieu of degree.

Must be a results-oriented individual with the ability to motivate and inspire self and others.

Excellent facilitation and presentation skills.

Ability to type a minimum of 40 wpm or more accurately and operate standard office equipment.

Computer literate and able to use Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, data base applications and the internet.

Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret information while demonstrating good verbal and written communication and language skills.

7. Ability to make civic, social and business contacts

8. Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills.

Varied and relevant work experience and knowledge of community resources.

Flexibility regarding assigned work hours and location.

Personal vehicle in good operating order available for travel in and out of town.

Effective written and verbal communications.

Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.

Loyalty to the agency and its policies.

Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Cell phone for use in emergencies while transporting clients.

Provide police background report.

Submit to pre-employment and random drug screens.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIORNMENT:

The physical demands/work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include the ability to twist, bend, squat, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, push and pull. The employee must be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time.

-Evansville Goodwill Industries, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

-This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

-Evansville Goodwill Industries, Inc. and Goodwill Educates, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

-This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.