Career Development Specialist

Responsibilities:

As a Career Development Specialist, you’ll provide individualized career development and workforce navigation services that empower job seekers to identify career pathways, develop employment goals, and connect to training and employment opportunities. Utilize innovative workforce technology, labor market information, career assessments, and AI-enhanced CareerPath Accelerator to support informed career decision-making and successful employment outcomes.

• Guide Customer through career exploration and pathways development activities utilizing CareerPath Accelerator. 
•   Promote, facilitate, and administer the skills assessment tool and assist customers in identifying skills, strengths, interests, and employment goals. 
• Utilize AI-powered career planning and workforce technology tools to develop individualized career roadmaps. 
• Assist customers with leveraging AI in resume development, interview, preparation, job search strategies, and professional branding.
• Connect participants to employment opportunities, workforce training, educational programs, apprenticeships, and supportive services.
• Coordinate referrals to partner agencies including veteran services, disability services, workforce education programs, and community resources. 
• Monitor participant progress toward employment and career advancement goals. 
• Maintain accurate records, service documentation, referrals, and customer outcomes in agency data systems.
• Develop positive working relationships with employers, training providers, workforce partners, and community organizations. 

Position Requirements

Education/Training:

• College degree is preferred but a combination of work experience and education may be considered a substitute for educational preference.
• Good written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong digital skills including Microsoft Office Suite, cloud-based computing, and online data-tracking systems. 
• Strong organizational and team-training skills.

Physical Demands:  

• Mobility: Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (up to 8 hours) within educational and office environments to access file cabinets, and office machinery and interact with clients, students, and staff.
• Lifting Requirements: Occasionally moves materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Posture & Movements: Frequent sitting, standing and walking for extended periods is expected. Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach as necessary.
• Manual Dexterity: Regularly operates standard office equipment, including a computer, copier, and telephone. Requires hand-eye coordination for data entry and document preparation.
• Travel: Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel locally to community sites, educational institutions, and employer locations.
• Vision Requirements: Must be able to read printed materials and information on computer screens. Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Communication: Must be able to communicate effectively, including verbal exchanges with clients, employers, students, and team members. Requires the ability to convey information clearly in person, over the phone, and through electronic communication. Must be able to interpret and respond to non-verbal cues.

  Work Environment:

• This position will be based out of the Goodwill Fredericksburg location, at the Virginia Career Works Fredericksburg   Center.
• The position is primarily performed in an office environment, but work will also take place at community locations  such as educational institutions and employer sites.
• Frequent travel between locations is required, including exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Noise levels in work environments are typically low to moderate.
• Flexible scheduling may be required, including occasional evenings and weekends, to accommodate participant or employer needs.
• This role may require interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals facing various personal, educational, and employment barriers.

What We Offer: In addition to pay and benefits, you will receive valuable training and experience. Best of all, when you come to work, you’ll know that your efforts make a meaningful difference in countless lives and communities. 

Join the Goodwill team and you will find more than a job…You will find a career with a cause! To learn more about our company and team, please visit our website: Rappahannock Goodwill Industries is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. At Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our team and the communities we serve. We encourage all to apply because we believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.