Description

Job Objective:

To provide job placement, discovery and retention services for clients and customers in the community that utilize the Ability First program. This position is essential to Ability First and the fulfillment of Goodwills mission to Strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement. The position reports directly to the Director Ability First who reviews job performance annually.

Essential Job Functions:

• Knows and understands the Goodwill Mission: Strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement.
• Review and asses all collateral information concerning strengths, abilities, limitations, barriers, and vocational preferences.
• To coordinate and participate in appropriate Discovery activities with the client such as Situational Assessments, Job Shadows, Informational Interviews and Work Experiences in the community to explore their talents, interests, preferences, capabilities, ideal work environment, challenges, support strategies, and informed choice to identify an appropriate vocational goal.
• Develop an individualized program plan based upon input from the client served and employment services team (i.e. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, family members and/or guardian, support staff, etc.) utilizing prior assessment and referral information concerning vocational preferences, education, strengths, abilities and support needs.
• Teach and/or enhance job seeking methods and techniques, following funding stream guidelines.
• Develop resume which is reflective of the clients chosen vocational goal and is written in a professional manner highlighting their strengths and abilities for potential employers.
• Respond to and determine the needs of the clients by providing referrals to community agencies, as appropriate. Ensure that communication occurs with the Case Manager so that proper documentation is placed in the file reflecting the referrals and follow up to ensure needs are met.
• Assist with employer contacts by telephone, in person and/or over the internet.
• Actively participate in the development of trial work evaluations, job trials and/or community work experience opportunities by making employer contacts and establishing an employer network.

• Monitor, evaluate and provide follow-along services to clients and businesses/industries where clients are employed for the duration of the follow-along period as dictated by the funding stream and the needs of the clients.
• Maintain detailed accurate records, case notes and required documentation utilizing complete sentences, proper grammar, and professional tone according to funding stream guidelines using the case management system.
• Engage in constructive and open communications, including advisement and consultation, with case managers from funding streams, Goodwill case managers, job coaches, retention specialists, supervisors, and other appropriate individuals.
• Be aware of and develop relationships with outside services and make appropriate referrals based on identified needs in the individual program plan or client needs as they arise.
• Travel to accommodate clients as appropriate.
• Work effectively with community partners/agencies, when appropriate, concerning general job development and individual job placement for persons served as a means of creating additional opportunities for job seekers.
• Ability to effectively communicate and be a team member with all Goodwill staff, both within and outside of the Ability First program. Share job leads and contact names outside of Ability First. Assist other Goodwill departments with job placement and/or retention services as needed.
• Attend marketing and public relation functions for employers concerning services and educate on advantages of utilizing Goodwill clients and services.
• Act as a liaison and labor consultant between client and employer, including research and consultation concerning legal and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as a representative of Goodwill Industries in agency involvement with community business groups with supervisor approval.
• As appropriate for funding streams, provide billing to Case Managers to ensure that all billings are accurate and in compliance with funding streams.
• Communicate with clients, VR, co-workers, and businesses in a professional manner. Supporting team members, supervisor, VR and Goodwill to strive for providing quality services.
• Maintain professional behaviors and appearance: dress the part, be on time for all appointments and follow through on commitments.
• Ability to complete Benefits Strategic Plan when requested by Vocational Rehabilitation.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelors degree preferred in Social Services or related field. A minimum of 1 year of college and related work experience is required.
• Ability to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision. Because of the necessity of using discretion and independent judgment when representing the client, employer and Goodwill and mobility of the job, limited supervision is available.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities, independently manage schedule and accountability of assigned work responsibilities to meet stringent deadlines.
• Ability to motivate others, understand and relate to the needs of people with disabilities and disadvantaged conditions, coming from various economic levels, nationalities, cultures, etc. with creativity and thinking outside of the box.
• Ability to relate and understand the variety of local referral agencies and employers.
• Ability to use discretion and sound judgment when working independent of supervision with clients and employers and interpret and implement general placement policies.
• The ability to make sound judgments and deviate from established policies and procedures when appropriate depending on client and/or business need.
• Ability to adjust to a flexible schedule based upon a 40-hour work week, organize tasks effectively and prioritize job duties with placement of clients taking priority.
• Ability to mediate, negotiate and resolve client and employer grievances. When grievances are not able to be settled, be able to guide client and/or employer through established grievance procedure.

Equipment Used:

• Computer/internet/email
• Telephone/cell phone
• Photocopier
• Fax Machine
• Automobile
• Equipment used at employers site

Physical Requirements:

• Must have reliable transportation to travel to the various job sites and provide proof of insurance and current drivers license.
• Office environment.
• Job site conditions will vary dependent on various community job sites.