Employment Specialist - Growing Youth Opportunities

MERS / Goodwill; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in St. Louis seeks an Employment Specialist to support youth in securing jobs. This role involves assessing needs, developing employment plans, and maintaining relationships with local employers. Ideal candidates are energetic and possess strong communication skills.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans with employer match

PTO accrual up to 15 days

Flexible schedules

Qualifications

• Experience in social services required; Bachelor's preferred.
• Valid driver's license and current insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one supportive services to youth preparing for the workforce.
• Develop individual employment plans and coordinate services.

Skills

Communication

Relationship Building

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Employment Specialist - Growing Youth Opportunities

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Position Details

• Required Travel: 50%
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time
• Salary Range: $22

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries is seeking an energetic, self-motivated, and professional Employment Specialist to join our DOL - Growth Opportunities team. Our mission is "Changing Lives Through the Power of Work!" and we value diversity, integrity, passion, professionalism, respect, and responsibility.

This case manager will provide one-on-one supportive services to youth preparing to join the workforce. Responsibilities include assessing basic needs, identifying employment barriers, developing individual employment plans, and coordinating services to help youth secure living wage jobs.

If you are looking for a role that empowers you to achieve new goals within a mission-driven career, this position may be the perfect fit.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma and experience in social services are required; a Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Ability to work well with people to develop and maintain relationships with local employers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and current insurance are required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Review referral information, establish professional relationships, conduct intake interviews, and develop employment plans.
• Maintain positive relationships with referral sources and communicate regularly about participant activities.
• Use community resources, local job market information, and intake data to develop employer contacts and job opportunities.
• Complete agency paperwork promptly and maintain confidentiality.
• Assist participants with job seeking skills, including interviewing, applications, resumes, and job retention.
• Make employer contacts in the community, including cold calls, to promote MERS Goodwill programs and secure employment opportunities.
• Provide retention services post-placement through regular contact with employers and participants.
• Maintain an average of 3+ new starts and placements per month.
• Achieve a minimum 75% 90-day retention rate and 75% placement rate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees working 30+ hours/week.
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance available after hire.
• Retirement plans: 403(B) with employer match after one year, and 401(A) from the start.
• PTO accrual up to 15 days, paid holidays, and flexible schedules.

MERS Goodwill is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.

Background and records checks are required upon employment.