Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for an Employment Specialist to develop and coach program participants in Ankeny & Ames areas with our values of love, kindness, and respect. GCI has been transforming lives through the power of work since 1955! Goodwill of Central Iowa Perks: a competitive industry hourly pay rate - dependent upon relevant years of experience, an active work environment, working in our community to support program participants, career development opportunities, PTO increases after 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement plan, and PTO - click here to learn more, a 15% discount at our retail stores!

Employment Specialists provide vocational services to program participants. This will include the development, implementation and administration of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to establish and monitor job goals. This position will provide training, development, and support for participants in all areas of work skills, job search, job acquisition, and job maintenance. Employment Specialists will work in the North Polk county and Ames community with various employers to establish partnerships and job placements. Maintain records and case file documentation per funder requirements; develop and implement alternative rehabilitation methods and strategies consistent with program goals and objectives.

What You'll Do:

• Initiate and implement vocational plans and goals with program participants.
• Conduct training on all aspects of career or job exploration, employment readiness, resume writing, application completion, job search, interviewing skills, and maintaining employment.
• Implement and conduct job development and placement through contact with prospective employers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers in the community to increase employer partnership.
• Provide on-going support to participants once employment is obtained to ensure participant success in their job, including on-site support and 1-1 coaching sessions.
• Facilitate training and coaching to encourage productivity on the job, model and teach appropriate and positive work behaviors, and gain functional skills achievement.
• Complete quarterly reviews on each program participant's Individual Service Plan goals.
• Communicate regularly with participants and their support teams.
• Provide on-site job coaching and support to participants that are placed in jobs in the community.
• Create and submit documentation within established deadlines for employment services provided in alignment with program and/or funder guidelines.
• Manage a caseload of program participants as determined by a supervisor. Maintain confidentiality and abide by HIPAA requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience, preferably in human services, sociology, psychology, education, human resources, marketing, sales or business.
• One year of related experience required. Experience coaching/teaching others; experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Must be able to travel consistently within Goodwill of Central Iowa territory to support program participants.
• Ability to pass Nationally Recognized Employment Support Professional Certification – ASPE's Certified Employment Support Professionals (CESP) Exam within one year of employment.
• Ongoing continuing education of 4 hours yearly in Employment Services – has 24 months from the date of hire to meet the educational requirements.
• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats; ability to perform basic math.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Access to reliable transportation for regular participation in work.
• Possession of valid Iowa Driver's License, a good driving record, insurable, and able to provide proof of personal vehicle insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident auto insurance liability coverage.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and dependent adult and child abuse background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated periodically.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods of time.
• Ability to regularly carry, lift, push, or pull up to 20 lbs regularly.
• Ability to tolerate variations in work environment temperature.

Working Conditions:

• Variable work environments based on workload and participant needs on various job sites within the community.

Goodwill of Central Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability) and E-Verify Participant.