Employment Specialist - Full Time

Founded over ninety years ago, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is committed to the vision of eliminating poverty through our mission of empowering individuals, strengthening families, and inspiring communities.Goodwill team members are at the heart of this mission. They are the very individuals we aim to empower, part of the families we want to strengthen, and members of the communities we want to inspire. Through a team-centered model, Goodwill is more connected to the areas we serve.Our team members are the ones who drive innovation, further the impact we make for those we serve, and define the very culture of our organization.

What is a team-centered culture exactly? It's a commitment to team member development, improved and efficient processes, and a dedication to providing the support needed to be successful. From our retail locations, to our production teams, support staff, and those on the front lines of our mission work, every role within the organization is vital. Collaboration on all levels, sets up both the individual and the organization for success.We would love to have YOU be a part of that success - apply today!

Responsibilities:

• Perform job development. Contact employers to introduce GIV and Supported Employment.
• Establish working relationships with businesses and employers. Maintain record of all contacts.
• Complete task analysis of job duties.
• Assist in screening applicants by reviewing records, observation, interviewing. Complete participant analysis. Develop individual program plans with clear and measurable goals with assistance of participant, family and other I-Team members.
• Assist in determining best job suited to participant by matching job features to individual'sstrengths. and needs, including accessibility to the job, physical ability, family support, social skills, motivation,and daily living skills. All of these functions must be coordinated with the individual and their choices will be taken into account.
• Assist participant/ family in overcoming barriers to successful employment, including transportation, benefits reduction, planning for placement.
• Provides orientation to job site, new employer and co-workers.
• Advocate for the participant. Assures participant receives same benefits as non-disabled co-workers and integration into the normal flow of the workday.
• Provide on the job training to establish the participant into competitive employment.
• Provide behavioral skills and ancillary training to maintain employment.
• Work closely with employer/co-workers in the development of a supportive work environment. Train employer/co-worker in disability awareness.
• Assist in the provision of on-going assessment and support, including regular feedback from the employer, behavioral data related to work, speed, proficiency, need for staff assistance to identify ongoing support needs.
• Maintain individual data and report progress to other service providers, parents, other support persons. Completes written monthly reports and invoices for billing purposes.
• Conduct and participate in meetings as needed which may include GIV staff, school personnel, outside agency members, family members, advocates, etc. to review participant progress, performance or proposed changes in individual program plans.
• Assist participant/family in accessing community resources. Make referrals as needed.
• Counsel participants on behavior and performance as necessary, consulting with other GIV staff and assuring required documentation.
• Responsible for managing assigned case records including the program plan, reviews, progress reports, and other required documentation in accordance with GIV policy and procedure and other applicable standards.
• Act as Mandated Reporter as defined by the State of Virginia Human Rights Act.
• As a staff person is responsible for the safety of those workers in his/her charge via implementation of the safety procedures and policies of the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality as it pertains to participants.
• Maintain knowledge of and participation in ISO and/or CARF procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• 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.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Basic knowledge of computer use, basic record-keeping skills, good time management
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, staff and business and community agencies.
• The ability to be empathic to the psychological and physical needs of the participant.
• Must be able to successfully complete State background investigation and drug screen.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to provide proof of insurance is required to drive personal vehicle on company business. Additionally, an acceptable motor vehicle record based on Goodwill guidelines is required to drive a company vehicle or transport program participants.
• Must be able to successfully complete the following in-house training within the first 90 days of employment:
  
  • CPR
  • First Aid
  • MR Orientation
  • Human Rights Training
  • Mandated Reporting
  • On-line supported employment certificate
  
  

Empowering Individuals * Strengthening Families * Inspiring Communities