Career Development Specialist

Job Details Macon Retail Job Connections - Macon, GA Warner Robins Retail Job Connections - Warner Robins, GA 4 Year Degree $ $ Salary/year Up to 25% Day Description

Job Summary:

Provide career development, case management, vocational guidance, advocacy, training, and supervision to individuals with barriers to employment in support of the mission of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA.

Essential Functions:

• Model the core values of Goodwill Industries by demonstrating service, ownership, accountability, and respect.

• Ensure high-quality, individualized services are delivered to participants, aligning with Goodwill's mission.

• Provide one-on-one vocational counseling and guidance, and teach life skills, employment readiness, and work adjustment training.

• Identify and build relationships with employers to develop work sites and job opportunities for participants.

• Match business needs with participant skills to support successful placements.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and records for all program participants.

• Develop and manage individualized career plans, including assessment, interview, planning, and internal referrals (Helms College, HR, and training programs) to support career advancement.

• Prepare required reports and summaries in compliance with funding and regulatory guidelines.

• Conduct participant interviews covering work history, education, vocational interests, and relevant social, economic, or medical factors.

• Facilitate orientation sessions for new participants, covering program services, policies, and procedures.

• Maintain regular communication with referring counselors and agencies.

• Coordinate smooth case transitions across internal programs and services.

• Observe and meet with participants at job sites to ensure performance and provide support.

• Oversee participant supervision to maintain program quality and consistency.

• Advocate for participant rights and career success within the parameters of the program.

• Ensure confidentiality and protection of participant information.

• Provide supportive counseling and coordinate crisis intervention or external referrals as needed.

• Organize and maintain case files and participant documentation per Goodwill policies and procedures.

• Prepare individual development plans with regular updates to track progress toward goals.

• Ensure compliance with Goodwill, CARF, federal, and grant regulations, as well as safety and security procedures.

• Participate in or lead advisory councils, community boards, and professional associations as assigned.

• Maintain positive working relationships with community partners.

• Represent the program at Goodwill meetings and community events as needed or assigned.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, or a related field required.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in case management or vocational rehabilitation, preferably serving individuals with disabilities.

• Experience working within federal contracting environments is preferred.

• Familiarity with medical, psychological, social, and vocational aspects of disability and/or economic disadvantage.

• Strong knowledge of community resources, occupational information, and job readiness principles.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general computer systems.

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a flexible work environment.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain strong organizational skills.

• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse range of individuals and organizations.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license with a clean motor vehicle report (MVR).

• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel locally as needed.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to push, pull, and lift up to 20 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle safely.

• Must be able to meet physical demands of the role, including transporting documents, supplies, and presentation materials as needed for Career Services activities.

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