Employment Specialist, Full-time

As an Employment Specialist in the Visions Program you will work with adults, 18 and over, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This position is community based with a flexible schedule as required.

All applicants must be able to provide own transportation to various sites in the community and have the ability to engage with diverse populations.

The hourly rate for this position is $22.00

Responsibilities:

• Assist participants in developing skills needed to learn job responsibilities and acclimate to the work culture in an effort to retain long term employment and self-sufficiency.

• Act as a Liaison between employer, participants and GWI staff in such a way that Goodwill’s mission and business needs are both met

• Provide job retention by facilitating the building of natural supports, job coaching, monitoring progress, problem-solving, jobsite visits, and mentoring as needed.

• Provide respectful, innovative, Person-Centered Planning services in a manner that maximizes the attainment of goals, in an effort towards the lifestyle of self-governance and self-sufficiency.

• Track and enter all data (participant, employer and/or internal/external stakeholders) into database systems as assigned.

• Process file documentation to appropriate organizations and/or GWI staff.

• Provide Employment Counseling, Advocacy and Support.

• Promote collaborative efforts within program specific team, departmental, and organization-wide services.

• Assist participants/employees in creating career goals and accessing the tools, training, or services he/she needs to meet these. Identify additional barriers to employment and assess appropriateness of training/placement services.

• Maintain regular contact with participant/employee, funder, and employer to reinforce and monitor progress of the plan, to assure quality/coordinated services and update/modify goals as necessary.

• Provide job placement and retention services by connecting participant/employee with employers and job opportunities.

Benefits:

• Full-time employees will receive up to 20 paid vacation days in the first year

• Additional paid holidays vary by position and department

• Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, and Accidental insurances available

• Medical insurance available to full-time employees

• 401k plan with employer match after the six months

• Professional development and personal support services

• One-on-one coaching to reach career and educational goals

• Tuition reimbursement

• 20% employee discount at the Greater Grand Rapids retail stores