Employment & Career Services Specialist (Ames & Ankeny)

Goodwill of Central Iowa; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits package

5% employer retirement match

Paid time off growth with service

Career development opportunities

Employee discount 15%

Job summary

Goodwill of Central Iowa is seeking an Employment & Career Services Specialist to work one-on-one with individuals with disabilities. You will develop job skills, explore career opportunities, secure employment, and support workplace success through coaching and personalized services in the Ames and Ankeny areas.

You'll partner with employers, participants, and support teams to create meaningful opportunities while advancing Goodwill's mission of making purposeful employment possible for all.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience.
• Ability to travel within Goodwill of Central Iowa territory.
• Willingness to obtain CES Pros (CESP) certification within one year.
• 4 hours yearly continuing education in Employment Services required.
• Must pass First Aid/CPR certification.
• Strong written and verbal communication; basic math skills.
• Ability to work independently and stay organized.
• Reliable transportation with valid Iowa driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Criminal background and dependent/child abuse background checks required.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized employment goals and service plans with participants.
• Provide career exploration, resume help, job search support, and interview prep.
• Build relationships with local employers to create job opportunities.
• Conduct job development and placement activities in community settings.
• Offer job coaching and ongoing post-employment support.
• Teach workplace expectations, productivity, and long-term job skills.
• Monitor ISP goals and participant progress with regular reviews.
• Maintain participant records in compliance with program requirements.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Independent work

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience

Bachelor’s degree in human services, sociology, psychology, education, human resources, marketing, sales, or business

Job description

Location: Ankeny & Ames Areas, IA

Job Id:6399-2026

# of Openings:1

Are you passionate about helping others achieve their employment goals and build greater independence?

As an Employment & Career Services Specialist, you'll work one-on-one with individuals with disabilities to develop job skills, explore career opportunities, secure employment, and succeed in the workplace. Through coaching, job development, and personalized support, you'll help participants build confidence and take meaningful steps toward purposeful employment. Working throughout the Ames and Ankeny communities, you'll partner with local employers, participants, and support teams to create opportunities that change lives while advancing Goodwill's mission of making purposeful employment possible for all.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive industry pay of $17.50/hour - $21/hourbased on relevant experience
• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off - click here to learn more!
• 5% employer retirement match after 1 year of employment
• Paid Time Off with increases after 1, 2, and 4 years of service
• Career development and professional certification opportunities
• Active, community-based work environment where every day is different
• 15% employee discount at Goodwill of Central Iowa retail stores
• Opportunity to help individuals achieve meaningful employment and greater independence

What You'll Do

• Partner with participants to develop and implement individualized employment goals and service plans.
• Provide career exploration, employment readiness, resume development, application assistance, job search support, and interview preparation.
• Build relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities and create successful employment matches.
• Conduct job development and placement activities throughout the community.
• Provide individualized job coaching, workplace training, and ongoing support after employment is obtained.
• Teach workplace expectations, professional behaviors, productivity skills, and strategies for long-term job success.
• Monitor participant progress and complete regular reviews of Individual Service Plan (ISP) goals.
• Communicate and collaborate with participants, families, guardians, employers, and support teams.
• Maintain participant records, case files, and service documentation in compliance with program, funder, HIPAA, and organizational requirements.
• Manage an assigned caseload while ensuring services are delivered in a timely, person-centered manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience.
• At least one year of related experience.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, sociology, psychology, education, human resources, marketing, sales, or business.
• Experience coaching, teaching, mentoring, or training others.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience developing employment opportunities, job coaching, workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, or employment services.

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.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a variety of community-based environments and job sites, with responsibilities varying based on participant needs and workload.

Goodwill of Central Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability) and E-Verify Participant. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.