Employment and Training Specialist

Who is Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area?

Since 1923, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area helps people transform potential into opportunity! With 17 store locations and a service territory of 23 counties in two states, our timeless social enterprise is a win, win, win for all.

• Individuals with barriers to employment get help securing meaningful jobs.
• Donors see a social return for their donations - helping people secure work and keeping unwanted items out of landfills.
• Shoppers get great prices on the goods they want, and in the process, give a hand up to people in their community.

How do we accomplish our mission? We provide education and career services as well as on the job training to persons with barriers to employment such as multi-generational poverty, history of incarceration, limited education, and no work experience.

Why should you join Chattanooga Goodwill?

• Friendly work environment with co-workers who appreciate working with each other.
• Employee discount.
• 401K and Roth retirement plans with matching contribution after eligibility.
• Skills and development opportunities.
• For Full-time employees:
  • Dental and vision insurance - Company Paid for employee.
  • Basic life insurance – 1.5 times salary, Company Paid for employee.
  • Primary Care through TextCare- Company Paid for household.
  • Voluntary Benefits such as Term life Insurance, Disability Insurances, and ID Theft
  • Medical Insurance and Health Savings Account
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program; Potential of up to three weeks during the first year

What will an Employment & Training Specialist do?

Employment and Training Specialist will provide individualized support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment. The Employment and Training Specialist will work closely with program participants to help them develop job skills, overcome obstacles, and succeed in the workplace. This position plays a critical role in helping individuals achieve their employment goals and build meaningful careers.

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Through words and actions support Chattanooga Goodwill’s Mission, Vision, and Values; furthermore, actions and decisions will align with organizational guiding principles.
• Maintain agency, employee, and participants confidentiality. Violation of confidentiality may be cause for termination.
• Participant Support and Guidance:
  • Provide one-on-one coaching and support to program participants in the workplace, assisting them with job tasks, problem-solving, and skill development.
  • Assess participant strengths, abilities, and barriers to employment, developing individualized action plans to address their needs and goals.
  • Offer encouragement, motivation, and guidance to participants, helping them build confidence and self-esteem as they navigate the workplace.
• Job Training and Skill Development:
  • Teach job-related skills and techniques to participants, including proper work methods, safety procedures, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Assist participants in learning and mastering job tasks, adapting instruction methods to accommodate individual learning styles and abilities.
  • Provide ongoing feedback and reinforcement to participants, recognizing their progress and addressing areas for improvement.
• Workplace Integration and Support:
  • Collaborate with employers to ensure a supportive and inclusive work environment for participants, advocating for reasonable accommodations and adjustments as needed.

• • Facilitate communication between participants and employers, addressing concerns or challenges that arise in the workplace and promoting positive relationships.
  • Help participants navigate workplace culture, etiquette, and expectations, fostering their integration and success as valued employees.
• Career Advancement Assistance:
  • Assist participants in setting and pursuing career goals, identifying opportunities for advancement and professional development.
  • Provide guidance and resources to participants on job search strategies, resume writing, interview skills, and networking techniques to support their long-term career growth.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of participant progress, including attendance, performance evaluations, and goal attainment.
  • Complete required documentation and reporting according to program guidelines and funding requirements, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Needs to be able to work flexible hours to accommodate hours of operation.
• Occasional local travel
• Perform site visits, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned

KEY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent (associate or bachelor’s degree given preference).
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, preferably in a vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, or related role.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport, establish trust, and motivate others.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others succeed in the workplace.
• Knowledge of job training principles, vocational rehabilitation techniques, and workplace accommodations.
• Ability to adapt instruction methods to meet the individual needs and learning styles of participants.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data entry.
• Valid driver’s license and car insurance verification required.
• Must pass an MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) check and maintain a good driving record.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area.

What does it mean to be a member of the Chattanooga Goodwill organization?

• You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a difference in your community. In addition to strengthening our community and families by promoting independence and dignity for the people who need it most, you’ll be helping us care for the earth. Last year our Goodwill diverted more than 8 million pounds of material from local landfills through sales and salvage.
• Our vision is a community where every person, regardless of ability, situation, or background, can achieve their greatest potential.
• Revenue from our retail stores help fund our workforce development and community services programs, which means our employees are direct contributors to changing lives!

How do we do this?

• We value and respect the inherent dignity and worth of people.
• We value truth, set high standards, and keep our promises.
• Continuous Improvement.
• Teamwork.
• We respect open and honest communication.
• We value a culture of innovation, learning, and development through social enterprise.
• We honor the resources entrusted to us with responsibility and care.

We invite you to apply to become a part of our friendly, hardworking, and caring group of dedicated employees.

• We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants and internal transfers will receive consideration without regard to race (including hairstyle/texture), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.