Job Placement Specialist

Description

SUMMARY

The Community Employment and Training Specialist provides regional oversight, employment coaching, and vocational training for transitional and supported-referred employees placed within Goodwill’s Mission Impact programs. Reporting to the Director of Community Employment and Training, the Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supervising job training programs across multiple store locations, delivering workplace readiness coaching, and ensuring a seamless experience for employees as they transition into competitive employment.

This role is also responsible for facilitating programs that focus on work transition, youth, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring participants receive person-centered support that promotes long-term success.

This position involves supervisory responsibilities and provides direct support, oversight, and performance evaluations for individuals participating in transitional employment and supported referral placements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

1. Oversee transitional and supported referred employees across multiple retail and training sites, ensuring consistency in training, support, and workplace expectations.
2. Facilitate programs designed to support work transition, youth participants, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to training, coaching, and competitive employment opportunities.
3. Provide individualized coaching and group training on workplace readiness, soft skills, and job performance standards.
4. Supervise day-to-day activities of transitional and supported employees, including timekeeping, progress tracking, and schedule coordination.
5. Maintain regular communication with Prosperity Planners, Retail Team Leaders, and Mission Impact staff to ensure integrated support and consistent implementation of employment plans.
6. Deliver structured pre-shift and post-shift meetings with program participants to align on goals, provide feedback, and address any concerns.
7. Evaluate participant progress and readiness for transition to competitive employment through weekly check-ins and formal performance evaluations.
8. Track and report participant progress using program metrics such as job placement rate, retention rate, and skill attainment.
9. Train, mentor, and coach participants in all aspects of retail operations, including customer service, donation processing, and merchandising operations.
10. Partner with Store Managers and Assistant Team Leads to ensure participants are smoothly integrated into the workflow and supported in skill development.
11. Adapt training techniques to meet the needs of individuals with diverse learning styles, physical abilities, and employment backgrounds.
12. Promote a culture of inclusion and respect while ensuring safety and adherence to program guidelines.
13. Serve as a regional liaison for Mission Impact within the retail environment, providing feedback to leadership and recommending program improvements.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Community Employment and Training or Mission Impact leadership.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

The list below is representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability utilized while performing this job.

1. Demonstrated understanding of Goodwill’s mission and services.
2. Experience working with individuals with barriers to employment, including persons with disabilities and those facing economic hardship.
3. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to adapt messaging to participants, staff, and community partners.
4. Ability to coach, mentor, and facilitate both individuals and groups with diverse learning styles, physical abilities, and employment backgrounds.
5. Knowledge of employment readiness best practices, supported employment strategies, and vocational rehabilitation principles.
6. Ability to develop, track, and assess individual training and employment plans with measurable outcomes (e.g., job placement, retention, and skill development).
7. Working knowledge of retail and customer service operations, including customer service, donation processing, and merchandising.
8. Skilled in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to promote safe and inclusive work environments.
9. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and comfortable using virtual training platforms (Teams, Zoom).
10. Familiarity with case management and data tracking systems (Caseworthy, Aware, or similar), with ability to maintain accurate program documentation and reporting.
11. Ability to multitask and manage responsibilities across multiple sites.
12. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
13. Ability to promote a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all training and coaching practices.
14. Ability to adhere to safe work practices and report safety issues promptly.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Human Services, Education, Workforce Development, or a related field is required, or a minimum of five (5) years of directly related experience may substitute for a degree. A minimum of two (2) years’ related social service experience, including work with persons with disabilities, is also required.

Math Ability:

Level 2: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have intermediate knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has supervisory responsibilities but no subordinate supervisors.

Purchasing Authority:

No Purchasing Authority

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

(e.g. physical or environmental requirements, irregular work schedule, required license or certification, background check)

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

1. Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
2. Vision abilities required by this job include: close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
3. Sitting and standing for long periods of time.
4. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Ability to hear normal sounds.
5. Ability and the means to travel independently from site to site.
6. Ability to speak in a manner that can be understood.

Language Ability:

Level 3: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups.

Reasoning Ability:

Level 3: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

License and Certifications:

Valid Florida Driver’s License with an insurable driving record and current private auto insurance policy.