Employment Specialist

Reports To: Mission Services Development Director and Workforce Director
FLSA Status: Non – Exempt
Supervises: Assigned Consumers
Revised Date: 12/2021

Mission Statement: Building lives that work.

Job Objective

This position is responsible for the successful delivery of services to consumers specifically following any requirements of program or funding criteria. Carries out the Mission Statement of Marion Goodwill.

Essential Job Functions

• Prioritizes work duties for maximum efficiency.
• Applies creative problem-solving to address business needs and issues.
• Provides clear, concise information to others in verbal, written, electronic, and other communication formats for funders and organizational consumption.
• Makes sound decisions on evaluation of available information.
• Responsible for development of training topics, training aides, and activities for the consumer.
• May provide direction to participants with regards to work tutorials and on-site mentoring.
• Provide career counseling to assist clients with identifying skills and developing appropriate vocational goals.
• If applicable to the service, Develop IPE (Individualized Plan for Employment) with consumer. The IPE states consumer’s vocational goals and job criteria and plans for reaching the goal, including frequency of meetings and responsibilities of parties involved.
• Seek employment opportunities through all means available that match the needs of consumers. (This includes the development of CBA, community based assessment sites).
• Develop on-the-job training strategies and implement direct instruction for consumers on the work site.  This includes, but is not limited to, specific skill training, adjustment to the work environment, and appropriate social interaction with co-workers and supervisors.
• Provide reinforcement and hands-on work orientation to the consumer to encourage good work habits.
• Maintain continual contact with the consumer during services.  Develop and implement plans for follow-up services.
• Provide advocacy or non-instructional intervention that promotes adjustment to the work environment by assuring that consumer’s work-related needs are met and that rights and dignity are safe-guarded.
• Participate in case reviews and goal planning for each consumer, as requested.
• Develop individualized task analysis and special training strategies based on consumer’s capabilities and job training needs.
• Know various elements of the job search process and provide this information to consumers or instruct consumers, as applicable.
• Obtain information from employer on consumer’s performance, site modification, and schedules in order to enhance integration.
• Assure that documentation for consumer’s vocational programming and progress is completed according to procedural guidelines.
• Keep accurate account and case notes on all contacts with consumers, stakeholders, or other stakeholders.
• Keep accurate record of all billable time and mileage.
• Responsible for working relationship with new referrals including calling, sending letters, prison visits, and community relationships.  Carries out marketing strategies designed to maximize program utilization. 
• Together with consumers, co-workers and external stakeholders continuously assess services.
• Development of funding sources including grant writing, when available.
• Prioritize work with daily/weekly goals.
• Assists and monitors to ensure programs are achieving outcome goals for programs.  If program goals are not being achieved, develop an action plan with follow up to achieve desired goals. 
• Ensures compliance in all audits, program requirements, and/or CARF standards.
• Build and maintain effective quality working relationships by providing exceptional customer service with internal and external customers.  Act with customers in mind and dedication to gaining their trust and meeting their expectations.
• Assist with greeting visitors, answering phone, recording messages, relaying information.
• Maintain confidentiality of agency information including consumer information, agency finances, and executive decisions.  Ensure correct information goes only to the appropriate person(s).
• Is aware of and follows all company policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee    Handbook and ongoing training.
• Attends meeting/training as scheduled.
• Reports any accidents/incidents and unsafe conditions to supervisor(s) and assists with completing appropriate reports. Follows all safety policies and procedures.
• Appropriately dressed in accordance with the employee dress code.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Competencies:

Relationship Management – The ability to manage interactions to provide service and to support the organization. This to include: Business Networking Expertise, Visibility, Customer Service, Advocacy, Creditability, Community Relations, Teamwork, Proactivity, Responsiveness

Consultation – The ability to provide guidance to organizational stakeholders. This to include: Project Management, Analytic Reasoning, Problem-solving, Inquisitiveness, Creativity and Innovation, Flexibility, Time Management

Leadership and Navigation – The ability to direct and contribute to initiatives and processes within the organization.  This to include: Transformational and Functional Leadership, Results and Goal Oriented, Mission Driven, Change Management, Consensus Builder

Communication – The ability to effectively exchange information with stakeholders.  This to include: Verbal, Written, and Presentation Communication Skills, Persuasion, Diplomacy, Perceptual Objectivity, Active Listening, Effective Timely Feedback, Facilitation Skills, Meeting Effectiveness, Social Technology and Social Media Savvy, Public Relations

Cultural Effectiveness – The ability to value and consider the perspectives and backgrounds of all parties.  This to include: Diversity Perspective, Openness to Various Perceptiveness, Empathy, Openness to Experience, Tolerance for Ambiguity, Adaptability, Cultural Awareness and Respect

Ethical Practices – The ability to integrate core values, integrity, and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices.   This to include Rapport Building, Trust Building, Professionalism, Creditability, Personal and Professional Courage, Personal, Professional and Behavioral Integrity

Critical Evaluation – The ability to interpret information to make business decisions and recommendations.  This to include:  Measurement and Assessment Skills, Objectivity, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Curiosity and Inquisitiveness, Research Methodology, Decision-making, Knowledge Management

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

• Associate Degree preferred or three years’ related work experience accepted
• Desire to work with rehabilitation clients, employees and the public
• team orientation
• First aid CPR certified (training provided)
• Able to pass criminal background screening requirements in accordance with Goodwill policy and procedures.
• Ability to pass alcohol/drug screening
• Driving record acceptable to Goodwill’s insurance provider and adequate personal liability insurance.

Physical/Emotional Demands:

The ability to remain in a stationary position roughly 40% of the time, as well ability to meet with grant participants roughly 15% of the time by traveling to multiple locations roughly 45% of the time is standing and observing participants as they participate in the program is required

Using a computer while sitting for extended periods is common. Must also be able to position self to maintain equipment, including under tables and desks.

No heavy lifting is expected, though occasional exertion of about 20 lbs. of force (e.g., carrying binders, portfolios, laptops) may be required. Good manual dexterity required to use common office equipment (e.g., computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).

Emotional: Can be high stress. Regular need for communication and social interaction with others. May require prioritization in a fast-paced environment.

Job Location: Community based sites, Goodwill facilities; travel to work sites, meetings, and conferences.

Technology and Equipment: Copier; Scanner; Computer; Basic Internet and Email Usage; Instant Messaging; Zoom; Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams); adding machine, fax machine, copier/scanner.