Employment Specialist

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Employment Specialist supports Goodwill's mission of empowering individuals to achieve independence through employment. This role is responsible for assessing referral eligibility into Community-Based Work Experience programs. The Employment Specialist manages the ongoing progress of each client by reviewing case records and monitoring individualized program plans to ensure successful outcomes. The Employment Specialist is expected to exemplify professionalism and demonstrate Goodwill's core values of Empowerment, Public Trust, Respect, Innovation, Quality, and Safety.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Participant Services

Assess participants' employment history, transferable skills, and career goals to determine job match.

Assist participants with job applications, résumé development, and interview preparation.

Track participant progress, document services, and maintain compliance with program requirements.

Place participants in to jobs and meet organizational placement goals.

Conduct follow-up to determine the client's progress via telephone, home visit, and/or e-mail.

Provide individual counseling to assist participants in achieving maximum potential.

Employer & Community Engagement

Attend community events and outreach activities to represent Goodwill and build strong relationships with key community members. Understand and be knowledgeable of upcoming trends in the community.

Engage with agencies and establish collaborative relationships. Maintain on-going communication with employer partners and help identify qualified candidates for available positions. Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to identify job openings; ensure quality and partner satisfaction.

Match participants with appropriate job opportunities and advocate for their employment.

Program Support & Compliance

Responsible for case management for assigned participants.

Monitor participant outcomes and contribute to achieving program performance goals (placements, completions, retention).

Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development activities to strengthen service delivery.

Maintain knowledge of local labor market trends, training opportunities, and workforce resources.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any of the following may be used to qualify:

High School Diploma or equivalent and 5 (five) years related experience

Associate degree and 3 (three) years related experience

Bachelor's degree and 1 (one) year related experience

Possess a valid Driver License with a clean driving record. Reliable transportation with the ability to travel within the region as required for meeting participants, workshops, and meetings. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug/alcohol screen.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Engaging with strong interpersonal, customer service and relationship-building skills. Able to effectively communicate with individuals with different lifestyles, genders, personal beliefs, and disabilities.

Be highly resourceful and self-motivated, with ability to work effectively with little supervision.

Able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and Saturdays.

Proficient with Microsoft Office

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in social services, business, workforce development, or related field

Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking).

Experience achieving measurable outcomes in job placements.

Experience working with people with disabilities and disadvantaged conditions.

Goodwill Industries of South Texas Inc. is an EO employer M/F/Vets/Disabled and other protected categories.