Workforce Development Specialist

Goodwill Industries of Northern WI and Upper MI is looking for a Workforce Development Specialist 1 in Houghton, MI
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This position is responsible for determining suitable employment consistent with clients desires, aptitudes, and physical, mental and emotional limitations; promoting and developing job openings and placing qualified applicants in employment settings; coaching and training persons with disabilities in community job sites.

• Establish and develop contacts with local businesses/service organizations to promote and develop job openings and communicate incentives for employers and services for clients.
• Assist clients in placement efforts including aiding in application completion, developing interview skills, teaching job retention skills, promoting safe work habits, and promoting client awareness of appropriate work attire and hygiene.
• Assist in obtaining assessment information and conducting intake interviews to determine suitable employment consistent with clients’ desires, aptitudes, and physical, mental, and emotional limitations.
• Responsible for supervision, vocational service coordination, payroll, and management of processing work and staff.
• Assist with the facilitation and development of community-based worksites.
• Teach training modules.
• Coordinate and supervise vocational training programs.
• Track clients’ hours.
• Maintain appropriate records throughout job development consistent with monitoring of clients’ rehabilitation goals.
• Maintain an open line of communication with funding sources.
• Coordinate and monitor ongoing operations at community worksites.
• Facilitate movement of clients into competitive employment upon completion of vocational training.
• Responsible for coordination of services between retail operations and processing.

• Promote appropriate personal work ethics, attire, and hygiene when working with clients, local businesses/service organizations, and referring agencies.
• Job coaching clients in community-based sites.
• Assist in job modifications for clients as necessary.
• Communicate with the employer on the work performed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Implement safety practices.
  
  Travel time may be required.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with program participants, referral sources, businesses and community organizations.
• Understanding of vocational rehabilitation techniques and methods.
• Ability to act as liaison between rehabilitation program participants and businesses to meet program expectations and needs.
• Leadership and supervisory skills to promote community cooperation and collaboration.
• Ability to professionally represent Goodwill Industries’ mission, goals and objectives to the community.

• Associate Degree and experience or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Two or more years of work experience or related education.
• Supervisory skills.