Employment Specialist

Overview

Goodwill Employment Specialist provide onsite training, supervision and support to adults with disabilities placed in community employment. Responsibilities include assessing & supporting individuals with disabilities in work settings and ensuring that the assigned individuals receive appropriate on-the-job training and job readiness skills in order to be gainfully employed. In addition, this position will provide follow up care to assigned individuals in order to ensure job success.

• Assesses appropriate work environment based on participant’s skills, interests and experience.
• Collaborate with VR Program Manager to develop individualized work plans based on assessments and medical documentation.
• Build and sustain relationships with community employers to identify job placement opportunities.
• Provide follow-up and retention services for participants in Vocational Rehabilitation and Ticket to Work programs.
• Refer participants to external agencies for additional services and support as needed.
• Assess and recommend assistive technology or accommodations for participants.
• Provide initial job training and continuous monitoring to ensure job success until the participant works independently.
• Perform time, production and efficiency measurements of non-disabled workers to set competitive standards.
• Model job tasks and techniques for participants, ensuring tasks are performed to organizational standards.
• Ensure employer standards (quality and quantity) are met by training participants to meet production goals.
• Maintain regular communication with Goodwill store managers and external employers to track participant progress.
• Promote positive behavior, social integration, and communication skills among participants.
• Document participant progress, including monthly reports, vocational assessments, and incident reports.
• Perform regular follow-up with Ticket to Work participants to track progress and address concerns.
• Conduct weekly job clubs and workshops to engage and motivate participants.
• Provide orientation and guidance to new participants, fostering motivation to pursue competitive employment.
• Stay updated on store procedures, policies, and changes affecting job roles.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, performance, and monthly reports for each participant.
• Foster positive working relationships and effective communication with all store managers and external stakeholders.
• Uphold Goodwill’s mission through respectful and professional interactions with all team members, employers, and community partners.
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Clear Communication
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Advanced Computer Skills

The statements in this Job Description are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required to meet the criteria for this position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Completion of required “Supported Employment Trainings and Certifications” within 90 days of hire.
• Must meet eligibility criteria set forth by Vocational Rehabilitation and Ticket to Work Programs within 90 days of hire.
• Understand and comply with policies and procedures specific with VR and TTW contract requirements.
• Certification and Supported Employment required within 90 days of hire.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check including verification of no history of offenses that would prohibit work with vulnerable population.
• Compliance with state and federal screening requirements.
• Ability to administer collaboration and teamwork.
• Ability to demonstrate patience and understanding with participants.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and work within timelines to meet deadlines.

• Minimum of an associate’s degree; bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field. (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work or Human Services)
• At least one (1) year of direct service experience working with individuals with disabilities; volunteer experience in a related field may be…