Employment Specialist

Goodwill; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Full benefits package

Retirement plan with 5% employer match

PTO increases after 1, 2, and 4 years

Job summary

Goodwill of Central Iowa is seeking an Employment Specialist to develop and coach program participants in Ankeny & Ames areas. You will create and monitor ISPs, provide training in job search and career readiness, and collaborate with local employers to establish partnerships and job placements.

The role requires traveling within the North Polk county and Ames community, supporting participants through job search, placement, and ongoing coaching while maintaining records and HIPAA compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in human services or related field.
• Experience coaching/teaching others; working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Ability to travel within Goodwill of Central Iowa territory.
• Ability to obtain CESPP certification (ASPE) within one year of employment.
• Must pass a criminal background check and have valid Iowa driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and implement vocational plans and goals with program participants.
• Conduct training on career exploration, employment readiness, resume writing, and interview skills.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers to increase job placements.
• Provide on-site coaching and support to participants placed in community jobs.
• Maintain case files and documentation per funder requirements; ensure HIPAA compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Travel within territory

HIPAA knowledge

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience

Job description

Work To Support Our Mission of Making Purposeful Employment Possible in Central Iowa

Being a part of the Goodwill of Central Iowa team gives you a lot to feel good about. Whether you are working in our retail stores, providing direct support and training to our participants, or continuing your career at headquarters in operations or administrative support, you are making a difference in your community.

Learn how we are all working together to make purposeful employment possible for all central Iowans.

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for an Employment Specialistto 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 is a rapidly evolving organization and yet we have never been more focused- on our mission, on our people, and on our future. It's always aGOODday at Goodwill!

Good values

Goodwill of Central Iowa

• A competitive industry hourly pay rate - dependent upon relevant years of experience.
• An active work environment, working in our community to support program participants
• PTO increases after 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years!
• 5% employer match for retirement account

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.

Good values Good mission 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!
• 5% employer match for retirement account
• 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.

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.

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At goodwill,We Value Love Kindness and Respect

Explore the Benefits of Working at Goodwil of Central Iowa

Great benefit opportunities for both part-time and full-time employees including health benefits, PTO, 403B, Lifestyle Spending accounts, training and recognition programs and more. Learn more about our benefit opportunities when you work for Goodwill of Central Iowa.

Goodwill of Central Iowa and our affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disability) and E-Verify Participants.