Employment Specialist

Goodwill of Central Iowa; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 23,419 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay rate ($17.50-$21.00/hr

Full benefits package (medical, dental

Retirement plan

PTO increases after 1/2/4 years

Employee discount 15%

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Goodwill of Central Iowa is seeking an Employment Specialist to develop and coach program participants using our values of love, kindness, and respect. This role supports individuals in navigating employment pathways and building sustainable careers within the central Iowa community.

Responsibilities include creating vocational plans, delivering training on resume writing, job search, and interview skills, and coordinating with local employers to place participants in meaningful work, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in human services, sociology, psychology, or related fields.
• At least one year of related experience; coaching/teaching preferred.
• Ability to travel within Goodwill of Central Iowa territory.
• Must obtain ASPE CESP Certification within one year.
• Continuing education of 4 hours yearly in Employment Services.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Strong written and verbal communication; basic math.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality with HIPAA.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and implement vocational plans and goals with program participants.
• Conduct training on career exploration, readiness, resumes, applications, job search, interviewing, and employment maintenance.
• Develop job development and placement through outreach to employers.
• Build relationships with local employers to increase partnerships.
• Provide ongoing support post-employment with on-site coaching.
• Coach to promote productivity and positive work behaviors.
• Complete quarterly ISPs reviews.
• Communicate with participants and support teams regularly.
• Provide on-site coaching for community placements.
• Prepare and submit documentation respecting deadlines and funder guidelines.
• Manage a caseload with confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent worker

Travel readiness

HIPAA compliance

Documentation

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 Specialist to develop and coach program participants 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 a GOODday at Goodwill!

Benefits

• A competitive industry hourly pay rate – $17.50 - $21.00 dependent upon relevant years of experience.
• An active, non‑stationary work environment, working in the 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.
• A 15% discount at our retail stores.

Responsibilities

• 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 ongoing support to participants once employment is obtained to ensure participant success in their job, including on‑site support and 1‑to‑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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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.

Goodwill of Central Iowa and our affiliates are affirmative action, equal opportunity employers (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disability) and E-Verify participants.