Employment Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Assist job seekers to overcome barriers to obtain and maintain competitive employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (Note: Qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made.)

1. Engage individuals with complex needs in a welcoming manner and establish safe, trusting, collaborative, and empowering relationships directed toward recovery and the goal of competitive employment in community job settings.
2. Knowledge of and ability to implement services following Goodwill's and industry best practices.
3. Document and maintain data in a professional, accurate, timely, and concise manner as outlined in best practices.
4. Assess/address the complex needs of individuals served in a competent manner, recognizing the stage of change the individual is in and using Motivational Interviewing skills and strategies to help the person achieve their career goals.
5. Assist individuals in obtaining information regarding their benefits and how they will be affected by employment by referring individuals to benefits counseling as needed. Help individuals report their earnings as needed.
6. With the individual's permission for disclosure, provide education and support to family members and employers.
7. Develop an initial career plan with each individual based on information learned through assessments and input from them and their team.
8. Conduct job development negotiation, and job search activities with individuals and employers to find positions that match both their needs and the individuals' interests.
9. Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist individuals in maintaining employment. Write Career Plan with each individual incorporating input from the individual, their team and assessments. Adjust plan according to the individual's needs and preferences.
10. Provide extended service supports to include negotiating job accommodations, career advancement opportunities, and ongoing contacts with employers to assist individuals in maintaining employment.
11. Provide outreach services in a variety of methods to individuals when they appear to disengage from the service.
12. Provide timely and proactive interventions responding to individual and employer concerns and needs in a timely manner.
13. Participate in team meetings with internal staff and outside providers and communicate individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate.
14. Is responsible for meeting Goodwill's department specific efficiency goals.
15. Demonstrate the values and language of current employment service best practices.
16. Punctual and consistent attendance and appearance requirements per Goodwill policies.
17. Perform work activities in conformance to Goodwill values, immediately report any wrongdoing (unethical/improper conduct, fraud, fiscal mismanagement, etc.), embrace and support diversity, and encourage and support others to do the same.
18. Perform other duties as assigned.

STAFF PERSONS SUPERVISED: None

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Associate's degree in a related field (preferred).
2. Any combination of experience and training that provides two years of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities.
3. Must be capable to perform all phases of vocational services (engagement, assessment, job development, job placement, job coaching, and follow-along supports).
4. Must be able to complete training and verify competency on employment services within 6 months of hire.
5. Excellent writing skills required. Experience in data collection and documentation preferred.
6. Must have a valid driver's license issued in the State of Nebraska and meet insurance requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Ability to communicate in spoken conversation, adequate volume speech, and have normal hearing for conversation, telephone use, and emergency information systems.
2. Ability to be independently mobile on all surfaces and situations; to move safely about the work area.
3. Sufficient vision in order to drive a vehicle and to read and generate documents/ correspondence, and complete data entry/documentation.
4. Physical stamina to work at least 8 hours per day and be able to travel to conferences, meetings, and job seekers' homes, etc.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Demonstrate ethics that are above reproach by consistently making decisions that prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability.

2. Ability to make sound decisions using personal judgment and creative thinking.

3. Ability to follow through on assignments independently.

4. Ability to be routinely supportive and encouraging of others and be an effective team player.

5. Adaptability to perform duties which change frequently.

6. Ability to respond in emergency situations.

7. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

8. Adequate personal coping skills and professional demeanor.

HOURS: Full time (40) Variable days; evening, weekends and holidays as necessary to work with individuals and employers.

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

Employees are expected to adhere to Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska's ethical code of conduct.


Employees must abide by Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska's Corporate Compliance policies. The purpose of our corporate compliance program is to prevent and detect any criminal, fraudulent, unethical, or improper conduct and take appropriate corrective action.