Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist IPS CSP is responsible for developing employer partnerships to identify job opportunities, market skills and strengths of job seekers, address employer needs and organizational cultures to assist individuals in reaching their goal of community employment. Responsibilities Implements strategies to achieve the goals for the organization, sustains policies, procedures and programs, and typically works on projects and tasks that span 3–12 months. Project and Change Management: Effectively plans and manages own work to reliably complete routine job responsibilities and special assignments. Participates as a team member or subject matter expert on formal or department projects. Engages in change affecting the employee, communicating appropriately with supervisor. Problem Solving: Uses skills to solve problems of routine complexity; able to identify root cause, interpret data, and resolve issues. Technical Skills: Fundamental knowledge of professional principles and skills; works in compliance with established procedures. Community Engagement: Serves as an ambassador for Goodwill in the wider community and participates in volunteer opportunities as schedules and interests permit. Develop employer partnerships to identify and customise job opportunities for individuals in the program. Market skills and strengths of people served and program support services; acts as liaison with employers, public and private employment agencies and other Goodwill staff to develop job opportunities. Collaborate with individual and Treatment Team to develop and implement the Recovery Plan of Care/Plan of Care to accomplish goal of community employment or supported education. Develop working relationships and collaboration with colleagues across Goodwill business units who are similarly focused on business development, placement or community outreach, identify and pursue job leads for individuals; develop the ability to cross‑sell for other Goodwill business units, in Mission Services and Mission Operations. Independently organise and multi‑task weekly activities and requirements to manage a caseload of 20–30 individuals authorised to receive placement services and provide services according to contract including job preparation, development, placement and retention services. Maintain all necessary records including progress reports and detailed client record entries. Provide counselling and guidance in the areas of: career exploration, advocacy, personal grooming, financial, job‑seeking skills, problem‑solving, community resources, and other resources that may affect employment; function as a case manager. Assist newly employed individuals in orientation to the employer’s policies, procedures, products, services, standards, fringe benefits, and opportunities as needed. Provide on‑the‑job training, job coaching, and/or other employment‑related support services as needed to elicit regular feedback from employers for successful closure and retention services for individuals we serve. Provide job retention and systematic instruction services; target behaviour or work conditions that are problematic to the individual consumer and develop a plan to reduce target behaviour or remedy the situation on the job. Provide educational, problem‑solving/supportive techniques to individual consumers, family members, referral sources and employers to meet workplace needs. Communicate and effectively build professional working relationships with the referral and funding sources and significant others to coordinate effective services. Promote and market Goodwill programmes in the community through transition and provider fairs, employer outreach, site visits and other events to provide education on services and support business development activities. Provide ongoing support, training and assistance to employers. Maintain a safe and orderly work environment. Responsible for completing other duties/responsibilities as assigned. Requirements Bachelor’s Degree required, and a minimum of 1 year experience. 1000+ hours experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Must have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s licence, a vehicle, and insurance coverage. Effective computer skills for reporting, communication, information gathering and presentation purposes. Core Cultural Competencies Customer Focus: Independently anticipate and meet customer needs while searching for ways to improve customer service. Values Differences: Seeks diverse perspectives and works effectively with others who have different perspectives, backgrounds, or styles. Communicates Effectively: Shares information and updates with others in a clear, concise, professional manner. Situational Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and adapts to changing needs, conditions, priorities or opportunities. Drives Results: Demonstrates a strong drive to achieve meaningful results, setting high standards for own performance. Ensures Accountability: Takes responsibility and ownership for successes and failures; monitors progress and adjusts approach accordingly. Physical/Sensory Demands Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 20 pounds. Moves around to accomplish tasks, remains stationary for extended periods of time. Repetitive use of hands and vision required for driving, using computer and reviewing written and electronic information. Ability to hear and communicate on phone and in person. Travel required. Compensation and Benefits When determining placement within the salary range for this position Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria. Compensation decisions are dependent on facts and circumstances of each case. Certain roles are eligible to participate in an incentive plan. Participation does not guarantee an incentive payment and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan, which are subject to change. In addition to compensation, we offer a competitive benefit program that may include medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off (PTO) and more. The specifics of each benefit package will vary depending on factors such as full‑time or part‑time jobs, contracted, temporary, or other job categories. (SEW) Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr