Employment Specialist

Goodwill Industries of Houston; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Houston is seeking an Employment Specialist for the Galveston Career Center to assist participants with career planning, intensive counseling, job search, and retention services. You will develop competitive and supported employment opportunities for clients facing barriers to work.

The role requires managing individualized employment plans, coordinating with partner agencies, providing workshops, and maintaining accurate CaseWorthy records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years in workforce development, career services, or human services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understands strategic planning, budgets, marketing, and research.
• Ability to analyze opportunities and problems and develop effective solutions.
• Reliable transportation to travel to assigned locations.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive employment case management and career planning services.
• Maintain a rolling caseload per program requirements.
• Review assessments to guide job training and referrals.
• Refer participants to partner agencies for supportive services.
• Accompany clients to interviews and job-related activities.
• Maintain data entry for billing and reporting; ensure policy compliance.
• Travel to multiple locations as needed and support program goals.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Research

Travel readiness

US work authorization

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

CaseWorthy

Change Machine

Job description

Job Title:

Employment Specialist (Galveston Career Center)

Department:

Workforce Development (WFD)

Reports to:

Program Coordinator – Galveston Career Center

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Mission Support:

Goodwill Houston (GWH) is transforming lives by connecting people to opportunities that advance the future of work. Through education, training, and employment, we create pathways to success for individuals facing employment barriers. We empower people, strengthen families, and impact communities by addressing both immediate and future workforce needs. With the generous support of our donors and retail customers, we are changing lives through the power of work.

Position Summary:

Assist participants with career planning and career decision-making processes, including intensive career counseling, assessment, enrollment into Career Pathways, job search assistance, and retention services. Responsible for the development of competitive and/or supported jobs for individuals who have barriers to employment. Must exercise good judgment and due diligence when performing duties and communicating on behalf of GWH.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring that WFD is in compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Provide intensive, comprehensive employment case management and career planning services to participants enrolled in the program and the Career Center.
• Maintain a rolling caseload per program requirements.
• Review assessments of participants’ employment and training needs, individualized employment plans, etc., to guide job training plans and potential co-enrollment into other GWH programs and make referrals for occupation skill training as needed.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with partnering agencies and make appropriate referrals to those agencies that will assist participants with supportive services, which are designed to help mitigate barriers and enhance employability.
• Accompany clients to job-related search activities, events, and job interviews.
• Assist in orienting clients with the host employer’s policies, standard operating procedures, and performing time and motion studies (or task analysis).
• Monitor and evaluate participant progress through an individualized employment plan, provide guidance and coaching to help resolve issues, and remain motivated to obtain/maintain credentials and employment.
• Work with the Career Center Team to prepare job seekers for employment, including resume preparation, interviewing skills, and workplace etiquette.
• Conduct employment readiness workshops and provide one-on-one job coaching.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data entry for billing purposes.
• Ensure that participants understand and conform to program policies and expectations.
• Place participants in industry-related employment, providing ongoing follow-ups for retention records.
• Support participants with maintaining employment, including providing resources for job sustainability.
• Maintain real-time data entry, electronic and hard copy confidential files, and input necessary information into CaseWorthy and Change Machine (data management systems), including progress reports, case notes, completion, and retention documentation.
• Track all job development activities, workshops, classes, internships, etc.
• Ensure data accuracy in databases for assessment, enrollments, and case-management services at 30, 60, 90, 180, 270, and 365-day follow-up, referrals, and Individual Development Plans (IDP).
• Travel to multiple locations as needed.
• Perform other duties as directed by management to support evolving organizational needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and present a friendly, cooperative attitude.
• Adhere to all GWH Policies & Procedures, Loss Prevention & Safety Regulations, and GWH Guiding Principles.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must perform all duties according to GWH safety procedures, maintain good housekeeping standards, and ensure all walkways are clear and free of clutter.
• Adhere to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years of workforce development, career services, and/or human services experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understands strategic planning, budgets, marketing, and research.
• Ability to analyze opportunities and problems, identify and evaluate alternatives, and develop effective approaches to address any issues.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to assigned work locations.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for current or future employment. GWH does not offer visa sponsorship for employment purposes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

• Meet or exceed all portfolio programs’ outputs, outcomes, and goals for the (calendar/fiscal) year.
• Ensure data utilization and accuracy of 90% or higher by conducting regular audits of CaseWorthy reporting.
• Ensure enrollments, case notes, and documents are updated within 24 hours of services or information received.
• Prepare weekly KPIs and monthly status reports.
• Ensure all data reports, funding applications, and administrative documents are reviewed prior to submission for director approval.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs.
• Able to spend most working hours at a computer.