<p>Are you passionate about empowering individuals to reach their career potential? As an Employment Specialist with Goodwill, you will take the lead in guiding participants from intake to achieving their vocational goals. This role is a dynamic blend of assessing participant needs, skill-building, job placement, and relationship-building with employers and community agencies. Your work will directly contribute to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to succeed in the workforce while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.</p> <p>Some of the great perks of working at Goodwill</p> <ul> <li>4 weeks of paid time off per calendar year </li><li>Medical, dental, & vision benefits at a fraction of the premium cost </li><li>Paid holidays </li><li>Retirement planning with company match </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Employer-paid Group Term Life and Disability Insurance </li><li>Employee Discount </li></ul> <p>At Goodwill of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, we believe in the power of work to change lives. Through the sale of donated goods, we fund 30 mission-based programs and services that support individuals facing barriers to employment, housing, and stability. From job training, rape crisis services, parenting programs and adult literacy, every effort we make is rooted in a commitment to strengthening lives and communities across Northeast Ohio.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Comprehensive Vocational Support: Deliver a full spectrum of services, including job development, employment support, community-based assessments, and vocational training tailored to each participant's needs. </li><li>Participant-Centered Planning: Conduct thorough intake interviews, assess participant skills and interests, and facilitate personalized, person-centered plans to guide their career journey. </li><li>Skill Development: Mentor participants to refine existing skills, acquire new ones, and cultivate work behaviors that promote long-term employment success. </li><li>Employer Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with local employers to create sustainable employment opportunities. Serve as a liaison between participants and the workforce. </li><li>Record Keeping & Compliance: Accurately document participant progress and activities, ensuring alignment with CARF standards, legal regulations, and agency policies. </li><li>Community Connections: Identify community resources and provide referrals to support participants in overcoming employment barriers. </li><li>Meetings & Training: Actively participate in internal and external training sessions, team meetings, and participant planning discussions to enhance service delivery. </li><li>Additional Duties: Take on additional responsibilities as needed to fulfill the agency's mission. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li> <p>Education:</p> </li><li> <p>Preferred: Bachelor's degree in education, social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, business, or related field.</p> </li><li> <p>Acceptable: High School Diploma or equivalent with three years of relevant experience in vocational rehabilitation.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience:</p> </li><li> <p>Background in vocational rehabilitation, working with diverse populations, or assisting individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment.</p> </li><li> <p>Familiarity with local labor markets and community resources.</p> </li><li> <p>Skills:</p> </li><li> <p>Proficiency with productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet applications).</p> </li><li> <p>Strong documentation skills for case management and reporting.</p> </li><li> <p>Effective communication and relationship-building abilities.</p> </li><li> <p>Certifications:</p> </li><li> <p>Valid driver's license with five or fewer points and current auto insurance (proof required).</p> </li><li> <p>Certification in First Aid and CPR (required).</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to complete Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities provider training.</p> </li><li> <p>Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification is a plus.</p> </li></ul> <p>Goodwill is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.</p> <p>Background checks and FBI/BCI checks are required.</p>