Employment Specialist

Goodwill Platform:  Workforce Development
Job Location:  St Thomas, ON
Position Type:  Full time
Application Deadline: August 11, 2015

About Goodwill

Changing lives and communities through the power of WORK.
Goodwill Industries is a non-profit social enterprise that provides work opportunities, skills development and employee and family strengthening for those who face barriers such as disability or social disadvantage. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and serve, and where every team member has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What’s an Employment Specialist?

Reporting to the Manager of Transitional Employment, the successful candidate will assist clients in our Transitional Employment program to strengthen basic and soft skills, develop work readiness, and develop skills pertaining to specific jobs. Clients are supported through Goodwill’s work programs, which include retail stores, light industrial facilities and aftermarket/recycling operations.

What’s the role?

• Engage with clients and their supporting parties to establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in the community.
• Conduct intake interviews to determine participant eligibility.
• Develop and implement individualized plans and goals for participants, and modify or develop training material to meet each individual’s needs.
• Support individuals in the accomplishment of their work objectives through counselling, education, instruction, leadership, and effective scheduling to realize their goals.
• Conduct job development and job search activities directed towards each individual client’s preferences and goals. Provide support, guidance and key contacts to clients to aide their job searching efforts.
• Provide additional support, coaching, and counselling to clients as needed (e.g.: benefits counselling, referrals, and so on).
• Be actively involved in the health, well-being and safety of themselves and their team

Do you fit the part?

• Do you have experience working with persons with disabilities and/or barriers to employment?
• Are you knowledgeable about employment programs for individuals who face barriers to employment?
• Do you have an understanding of the Transitional Employment model, including job analysis, evaluation, and goal setting techniques?
• Do you have knowledge of job development principles, current labour market trends, and employment preparation skills?
• Are you mobile throughout the St Thomas/London region?
• Can you demonstrate the ability to supervise and instruct various work related activities or tasks?
• Do you have excellent verbal and written communication skills?
• Do you have excellent problem-solving skills?
• Do you have a post-secondary education in Social Services or a related field? This is an asset, not a requirement.
• Are you familiar with Health and Safety legislation in the workplace?

 If you feel you “fit the part”, we want to hear from you!

What’s in it for you?

• Fun team atmosphere and challenging work environment where you can make a difference
• Personal growth and development
• Competitive compensation package

Please apply directly online to be considered for this role. 

Goodwill Industries is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where all employees and members feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and serve, and where every team member has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Please apply by 4:30 PM, August 11, 2015 to:
Goodwill Human Resources