Training Specialists | 2nd Shifts

Goodwill Columbus; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 49,594,000 - 53,451,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Columbus seeks a Training Specialist for Work & Community Services to help participants with developmental disabilities gain essential skills for community employment and independence. You will coach, mentor, and advocate, coordinate with mental health staff, and apply person-centered approaches to support each learner on the path to meaningful work and inclusive community participation.

This role requires compassionate communication, reliability, and collaboration with employers and

Responsibilities

• Prepare participants for community-based employment through hands-on training.
• Teach workplace readiness skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and professionalism.
• Help participants discover career interests and expand their understanding of employment opportunities within the community.
• Provide individualized coaching and encouragement that promotes confidence, independence, and personal achievement.

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Training Specialist, WCS

Department Work & Community Services

Reports to Program Manager, Work Services

Positions Supervised None

Pay Grade G-4

Employment Class Paraprofessional Hourly

EEO Class 3 – Technicians

Authorized Driver Yes

Training Specialist, Work & Community Services (WCS)

Position Summary

Make a meaningful difference every day by empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment to discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve greater independence. As a Training Specialist, you will serve as a coach, mentor, advocate, and support professional, helping participants develop workforce readiness skills, explore career opportunities, and successfully navigate community-based employment experiences. Through person-centered support, you will help individuals reach their goals while fostering inclusion, dignity, and meaningful community engagement.

Essential Job Functions

Goodwill Columbus | $17.50/hr | Full-Time (Mon–Fri)

Empower Employment Success

• Prepare participants for community-based employment through hands-on training, skill development, and vocational exploration activities.
• Teach workplace readiness skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and professionalism.
• Help participants discover career interests and expand their understanding of employment opportunities within the community.
• Provide individualized coaching and encouragement that promotes confidence, independence, and personal achievement.

Champion Community Inclusion

• Deliver coaching, mentoring, and support services in community settings that encourage full participation and integration.
• Build positive relationships with participants, employers, coworkers, and community partners to support successful employment outcomes.
• Serve as an advocate for participant success while helping individuals navigate workplace expectations and social interactions.

Support Individual Growth and Well-Being

• Collaborate with the onsite Mental Health Clinician and demonstrate an understanding of basic mental health principles to support participants in achieving personal and vocational goals.
• Utilize person-centered practices to focus on each individual's strengths, abilities, preferences, and aspirations.
• Foster a culture of respect, empowerment, empathy, and inclusion in all interactions.

Promote Safe and Positive Work Environments

• Establish and reinforce workplace expectations that create meaningful learning opportunities and prepare participants for competitive community employment.
• Implement behavior support strategies consistent with individual support plans.
• Provide verbal and physical intervention when necessary to ensure the safety of participants, coworkers, and community members.
• Maintain compliance with all company safety policies and applicable state and federal regulations.

Maintain Program Excellence

• Complete required documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, attendance records, payroll time sheets, daily production counts, and annual assessments.
• Monitor participant progress and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and skill reinforcement.
• Contribute to continuous program improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance participant outcomes and workplace readiness.

Why Join Our Team?

At Goodwill, your work goes beyond training. You will help individuals unlock potential, achieve personal goals, and build pathways to greater independence and community engagement. Every interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in someone's life while being part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering people and transforming com