Responsibilities

Summary/Objective

Reporting to the Employment Services Manager, the Workforce Development Specialist develops, coordinates, and implements individualized employment plans with job seekers. These plans provide comprehensive, case management activities which include scheduling training, providing job search assistance, connecting with employers to locate open positions, and collaborating with community partners in order to access outside resources.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Conduct intakes and complete all evaluations and assessments applicable to a participant’s program enrollment.
• Develop written individual employment plans inclusive of developing work skills and behaviors to support employment, training, and retention goals.
• Reviews assessments, resumes, and other pertinent information to become familiar with a participant’s skills, abilities and interests and help them define and achieve career goals.
• Assist participants in conducting self-directed job search, completing career exploration activities, developing computer literacy skills, gaining access to phone, email and low-cost/free devices and/or low-cost/free internet.
• Provides case management and refers participants to Goodwill & partner programs to obtain certifications, apprenticeships and in demand skills needed by employers.
• Collaborate with community partners to offer supportive services and connect participants to jobs and other resources needed.
• Builds applicant sources by researching and contacting employers, employment agencies and recruiters, to find and fulfill employer’s needs, placing applicants in high demand, fulfilling good wage jobs that can support them and their families.
• Provides job related individual and group training sessions, as needed.
• Conduct outreach at Goodwill locations, on Mobile Workforce Unit, or at other community partner locations.
• Maintains all client contact standards and accurately enters participant information in the case management database in a timely manner; physical case files will be maintained as applicable.
• Understands a variety of funding sources and completes appropriate documentation.
• Regularly updates Employment Services Manager on participant issues and concerns.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of participant information at all times.
• Completes tasks in compliance with all company policies, procedures and legal requirements.
• All other duties as assigned by the Workforce Development Manager.

Work Environment

This job operates in varied environments which may include store, warehouse, culinary, and office. Work environments will include indoor and outdoor locations with potential weather extremes. This role routinely operates office equipment.

Physical Demand

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is an active role. The employee must have the ability to communicate verbally and apply active listening skills, lift up to 25 pounds, bend and possibly stand for prolonged periods of time as necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Travel

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., however some flexibility of the schedule is permissible with supervisor approval. As a non-exempt position, occasional night-time or weekend work may be required. Occasional day-time travel to supported locations is required.

Qualifications

Qualifications

The Workforce Development Specialist will be a proven leader with the following:

• Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, psychology, communication, education, adult education, human resources, or related field. Some college or work related experience will be considered.
• Proven experience empowering job seekers to attain employment skills and placement goals.
• Ability to counsel and handle crisis situations effectively.
• A high degree of sensitivity towards all persons with or without different abilities/disadvantages.
• Ability to teach skills to small groups in a classroom setting.
• Working knowledge of internet search engines and resume writing.
• Working knowledge of the workforce, social services sectors and/or experience utilizing community resources.
• Strong background in developing and maintaining relationships between partner agencies (such as Voc. Rehab).
• Microsoft Office and Windows proficiency, typing ability.
• Basic understanding of legal requirements regarding employment (ADA, WOTC, etc.).
• Good time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Versatility and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility of work hours, schedule and willingness to cross-train.
• Effective management of processes and people; strong teamwork qualities.
• Effective, appropriate and professional communication and demeanor.
• Ability to recognize potential problems within processes and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Must have and maintain reliable transportation, clean MVR, valid license and insurance to drive for company-related business.

Values and Competencies

• We allow our values to guide our actions:
  • Lead: Everyone has value – Help them find it and celebrate it
  • Grow: Learn constantly and strive continually to better ourselves
  • Partner: Be good citizens, maximize the value of donations, and support sustainability
  • Innovate: Always seek new and better ways to accomplish our mission
  • One Agency: Work collaboratively to build a legacy from which future generations will benefit
• Every leader must demonstrate these competencies:
  • Has a focus on our mission
  • Does the right thing, acting with honor and integrity
  • Develops self and others
  • Owns results

All employees should be instilled with and demonstrate an appreciation of the value entrusted to us by the community through donated goods

AAP/EEO Statement

Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas is an equal opportunity employer.

Receipt of this job description does not imply an employment contract. We are an at-will employer. Job duties, work schedules and work conditions may be altered without notice at any time.

Employee Acknowledgement ______________________________ Date _________________

Overview

Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas has a rich, 120 year history. Everyone knows Goodwill for our thrift stores, but few know what Goodwill is really all about. The sale of unwanted items provides funds that stay local, helping us to support thousands of job seekers with barriers to employment. We believe in the Power of Work and are committed to helping people earn and keep jobs in the community. That’s why 90¢ of every dollar Goodwill spends goes directly into our mission, not into shareholders’ pockets.