Ability First Employment Specialist - Lake County - FT

Job Objective:To provide comprehensive job placement, discovery, and retention services for participants in the Ability First program. Serving as a critical link between individuals with barriers to employment and the community workforce, this role focuses on identifying vocational talents and securing competitive, integrated employment. By fostering strong employer relationships and providing ongoing stability support, the Specialist advances the mission of empowering individuals toward economic independence. This position requires high professional discretion and the ability to independently manage community outreach and participant advocacy across diverse industry sectors. This position reports to the Mission Services Program Manager who evaluates performance annually.In addition, embodies the Goodwill Mission to: “Empower people to achieve their most abundant life” and upholds the Company Core Values of: Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Customer-First Mindset, Humble Confidence, Passion for Mission, and Do the Right Thing.Essential Job Functions:Conduct comprehensive assessments of participant strengths, abilities, and vocational preferences to identify specific barriers to employment and support needs.Facilitate discovery activities, including situational assessments, job shadows, and community work experiences, by establishing and maintaining a robust employer network.Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with participants and the employment services team, utilizing referral data and assessment results.Provide targeted, one-on-one job search coaching and professional resume development tailored to the participant's specific vocational goals.Manage direct employer outreach via telephone, digital platforms, and in-person visits to secure competitive job opportunities.Deliver continuous monitoring and follow-along support to participants and businesses to ensure long-term job retention and stability.Maintain meticulous case notes and required documentation to ensure program integrity and compliance with funding stream standards.Coordinate referrals to community partners and outside services to address participant needs beyond the scope of the program.Ensure financial compliance by submitting accurate billing to Case Managers in accordance with funding stream requirements.Uphold high standards of professional communication and service quality in all interactions with stakeholders and community partners.Other duties as assigned by supervisor.Required Education and Skills:Bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field preferred; a minimum of one year of college combined with relevant work experience is required.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively mediate, negotiate, and resolve grievances between clients and employers.Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, maintaining professional accountability and meeting stringent deadlines.Proven capacity to motivate others and effectively relate to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.Proficiency in exercising sound judgment and discretion when working autonomously with participants and community stakeholders.Strong organizational skills to prioritize participant placement and schedule outreach effectively.Strong problem-solving skills to navigate complex workplace dynamics and ensure successful employment outcomes.Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.Must have reliable transportation, a current driver's license, and provide proof of insurance to travel to different job sites.Qualifications:Authorized to work in the United States.Flexible availability.Able to frequently bend, twist, reach above shoulder level, push and pull, crouch or stoop, kneel, repetitively use feet, and use head and neck in a twisting or static motion and to look up and/or down, and lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. #J-18808-Ljbffr Goodwill-Industries