Employment Specialist

Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.

The Employment Specialist leads targeted employer outreach and job development efforts to connect job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. This role builds and maintains strong partnerships with employers, recruits participants for specialized programs, and creates seamless pathways from application through post-placement follow-up. The ideal candidate is adaptable, results-driven, and effective at engaging diverse audiences. Using data systems and performance metrics, the Employment Specialist tracks outcomes, ensures accurate reporting, and drives continuous improvement. Active community engagement and participation in events support broader workforce development and business engagement goals.

The Employment Specialist will work within the Career Development Services team and report to the Community and Business Engagement Manager.

This position will operate out of Goodwill's Home Office, located at 1235 S. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC, with frequent travel throughout the Triad area including Guilford, Alamance, Randolph, Rockingham, and Caswell Counties.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities and activities include:

• Work side-by-side with program staff to identify entry-level employment opportunities for job seekers, review job seeker engagement, and identify job search challenges.
• Recruit employers for specialized programs and grant initiatives (Careers on the Outside, Transportation Assistance, Skilled Training, etc.), while advocating for job seekers with barriers to employment. Recruitment strategies will include networking, labor market research, cold-calling, and more.
• Create seamless referral pipelines with employers and job seekers, from job applications to offers to follow up post-placement, using a variety of digital tools and interpersonal communication strategies.
• Maintain engagement with employer partners by getting regular updates on hiring needs and challenges, involving them in classes/graduations, scheduling job fairs, and connecting them with others for strategic organizational collaborations.
• Utilize data management systems to organize job opportunities, identify matched job seekers, and complete post-placement tracking.
• Maintains organizational records for employer relationships and engagement strategies.
• Evaluates process flows periodically to review functionality, trends, and areas of improvement.
• Attends and supports implementation of Triad Goodwill events, as available. Periodically represents the agency at community events, resource fairs, chamber meetings, etc.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in human services, communications, marketing, business, human resources, or a related field. High school diploma and 4+ years' related experience may be considered in lieu of associate's degree.
• 2-years' experience working with private businesses, including but not limited to recruitment, network development, client relations, or other related work.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite and professional writing skills.
• Ability to independently negotiate competing priorities and facilitate productive relationships with diverse teams.
• Experience in workforce development, event planning, and using customer relationship management databases is preferred.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with precision, accuracy, and flexibility.
• Ability and willingness to attend after hour or weekend events as scheduled.
• Valid NC driver's license with good driving record, reliable vehicle, and proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment drug and background screens.

Hours :
Position is hourly, averaging 40 hrs/week. Work is generally conducted Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, with occasional requirements for evening/weekend events.

Salary & Benefits:

Hourly position, $20-$22 DOE. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with organizational policy.

Benefits include medical insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, short- and long-term disability, 401k plan, and educational assistance plan.

Exempt : No

Type : Regular Full Time

Department : 812-Business Services

Location : 000