Services Specialist

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Provide direct case management services to workforce program participants that leads to placement into competitive employment.

• Perform case management including eligibility determination, intake, orientation, plan development/implementation, documentation, and follow‑up.
• Conduct assessments covering work history, employment skills, educational history, supportive service needs, and barriers to employment.
• Offer one‑on‑one coaching and information to help participants overcome legal, behavioral, physical, family, and other barriers.
• Facilitate workshops and support groups on career exploration, goal setting, networking, social media, job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing, job readiness, and life skills such as problem solving, esteem building, customer service, coping with life stressors, digital literacy, and financial wellness.
• Develop job leads and perform direct placement activities, maintain employer contacts, report placement and follow‑up activities, and carry out job‑site interventions.
• Work with employers to facilitate placement and retention; maintain records of employer communications.
• Maintain close contact with referring agents and coordinate communication regarding participant progress.
• Collaborate with training providers and other organizations involved in work experience or employment facilitation.
• Perform designated duties to ensure meeting the goals of the Outcome Measurement System.
• Assist with job fairs, large recruiting/hiring efforts, and other community outreach events.
• Facilitate and lead new participant orientations.

• Education required: Bachelor’s Degree in rehabilitation counseling, behavioral science, psychology, or related field, or equivalent.
• License/Certification required: Valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Experience required: Three years as a job developer, employment training specialist, recruiter, or related profession. Vocational rehabilitation counseling training and/or experience desirable.
• Knowledge required: Understanding of vocational implications of disadvantaging and disabling conditions; tools to educate participants; barriers to employment; local labor market and job search strategies; familiarity with Goodwill’s mission, policies, and procedures; advanced proficiency in computer technology and record‑keeping software.

• Effective oral and written communication in English; basic Spanish desirable.
• Ability to understand and comply with program protocols, state and federal workforce development requirements, and Goodwill Central Coast SOPs and Code of Ethics.
• Sensitivity to client diversity, economic hardship, learning disabilities, and other barriers.
• Capacity to coordinate client schedules, staffing, and report writing; flexible service delivery including evenings and weekends.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to operate a vehicle with a good driving record and provide proof of liability insurance if required.
• Commitment to safe work practices and prompt hazard reporting.

The job requires occasional short deadlines with minimal overtime. The work environment is routine with distinct periods of isolated high activity or demand.

Performed in an enclosed, climate‑controlled office building; occasional visits to employer/industry sites. Work is completed independently, one‑on‑one with clients, in groups, client/employer meetings, and in collaboration with staff and referring agents.

Primarily sedentary with walking and standing as necessary. Lifting/carrying limited to approximately 15 lbs; up to 25 lbs occasionally with assistance. Normal or corrected hearing, vision, and speaking sufficiency required.

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Retail

Goodwill Central Coast is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.