EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Position Title: Employment Specialist

Department: Mission Services

Status: Full or Part Time/Non-exempt

Reports to: Director of Mission Services

Position summary : This position will provide career counseling, job readiness training, and on-site mentoring, while develop individualized employment plans and connect consumers to meaningful community-based opportunities. They will also maintain accurate documentation, ensure program compliance with audits and standards (including) and contribute to continuous program improvement. Success in this role requires strong relationship management, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance consumer advocacy, program outcomes, and organizational needs. By fostering partnerships with consumers, employers, and community stakeholders, this position supports vocational growth, independence, and long-term success for those served.

Essential functions:

· Work with the business community to secure employment sites for participants consistent with their identified needs and goals.

· Develop appropriate participant placement plans, individualized task analyses, and maintain progress reports.

· Provide training for participants to achieve personal goals, develop job retention skills, increase self-motivation and confidence, and adjust to the work environment.

· Develop and implement on-the-job training strategies and direct instruction at the work site, including skill training, environmental adjustment, and appropriate social interaction with co-workers and supervisors.

· Provide job coaching and job retention follow-up services (minimum of 90 days), using appropriate fading techniques.

· Develop and maintain a network of community support service providers to assist participants with training and access to competitive jobs.

· Ensure employer production requirements and schedules are met

· Assist in arranging transportation to and from work sites for participants.

· Provide career counseling to help clients identify skills and develop vocational goals.

· If applicable, develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) with consumers, outlining vocational goals, job criteria, and responsibilities of all parties.

· Seek employment opportunities through all means available, including development of community-based assessment (CBA) sites.

· Provide advocacy and promote adjustment in the work environment by safeguarding participants’ work-related needs, rights, and dignity.

· Maintain continual contact with participants during services, implementing plans for follow-up

services.

· Participate in case reviews, staff meetings, and goal planning for each participant as needed.

· Establish professional and productive relationships with referral agencies, rehabilitation and developmental disabilities agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure a steady stream of referrals.

· Represent Goodwill in the community by attending meetings, trainings, and events as required.

· Ensure accurate reports and information are submitted by established deadlines for billing and compliance with referral sources and CARF standards.

· Keep accurate documentation, case notes, and records of all billable time, mileage, and participant progress according to procedural guidelines.

· Support the development of training topics, training aides, and on-site mentoring activities for consumers.

· Support employer relationships by obtaining feedback on trainee performance, site modifications, and integration needs.

· Assist with program development, including identifying funding sources and contributing to grant writing opportunities when available.

· Monitor scheduling, travel time, and program ratios to maintain cost-effectiveness.

· Promote positive teamwork among co-workers and provide exceptional customer service to internal and external partners.

· Attend safety training, follow safety policies, and report incidents/unsafe conditions.

· Maintain confidentiality of consumer and agency information.

· Pursue professional development through continuing education and required certifications.

· Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and required skills:

· Experience working directly with individuals in the rehabilitative or developmental disabilities field; must demonstrate compassion, patience, and commitment to working with Goodwill’s population.

· Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and time management skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Professional appearance, demeanor, and ability to represent the agency positively.

· Ability to maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and follow established procedures.

· Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to build effective relationships with consumers, employers, and community partners.

· Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

· Ability to pass a criminal background check, fingerprint screening, and drug/alcohol testing as required.

· Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and proof of current automobile insurance (updated every six months).

Education and experience:

· High School Diploma or GED required.

· Associate’s degree in social services, Human Services, or a related field preferred.

· Two years of experience working with people with disabilities in rehabilitation-related services preferred.

· Willingness to complete all required annual certifications, including:

- First Aid and CPR

- Provider Certification training from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

- Other program-specific or state-required training courses as assigned