Employment Specialist

For over a century, Ohio Valley Goodwill has been providing support, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Greater Cincinnati.  At Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, we are committed to transforming lives and strengthening communities by empowering individuals to reach their full potential.  With a long-standing commitment to providing education, job training, and employment opportunities, Goodwill has become a recognized leader in creating pathways to economic independence for those facing barriers to employment.

We are looking for an Employment Specialist in our Placement Services Program.  We are seeking a creative, people-oriented individual responsible for extensive networking with employers to identify job leads and negotiating job opportunities with employers once an opening has been identified. Performance will be monitored by the number of leads identified, number of interviews secured and number of job placements made each month. 

Additional responsibilities include providing direct services, maintaining data on consumers, facilitating staffing, writing reports, case file documentation, and to advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Business/ Human Services or related field preferred. High School diploma required.
             
EXPERIENCE: One-year experience working with individual with disabilities or two year’s work
experience in Placement, Sales or Marketing experience required.

KNOWLEDGE: Must be able to communicate in an effective and comprehensive manner with clients, business and rehab professionals. Familiarity with job market trends and needs primarily (but not solely) in the Cincinnati community.

SKILLS; Requires excellent verbal and written communication, solid judgment skills, ability to work effectively in groups and in one-on-one situations and to coordinate services from external and internal sources as it meets the needs of consumers.

The position involves extensive local travel, transportation of consumers and is a full-time position. Must pass DMV check (no more than 4 points) and possess appropriate auto insurance to transport participants (i.e. meet minimum state requirements).

Must pass Criminal, State and federal background checks and registry checks.

1. Job development and employment procurement for participants assigned to caseload.
2. Make presentations (one-on-one and group) to business professionals at various locations.
3. Case management duties to assist individuals in acquiring and maintaining employment.
4. Maintain ongoing communications with designated team members regarding participants and services.
5. Develop, modify and implement service plans for assigned participants.
6. Prepare monthly progress reports, placement reports, follow-up reports, discharges and other relevant participant related documents.
7. Maintain case folders in accordance with CARF, OOD, and DODD/Medicaid facility standards.
8. Tour and observe diverse businesses.
9.  Maintain records on travel expenses, billable hours, and work schedule
10. Teach individualized or group Job Seeking Skills Training. 
11. Prepare and chair staffing with participants and referral sources at a frequency determined by the facility and referral source
12. Performs concise job analysis of various positions in the community
13. Identifies additional supports if needed to ensure successful employment

• PERIODICAL DUTIES:

1. Keep abreast of local business activities and hiring practices.
2. Keep abreast of latest Federal and State laws to include:  EEOC, ADA, OJT, OJE, etc.
3. Keep abreast of employer tax credits and incentives
4. Keep abreast of SSI/SSDI work incentives and benefits
5. Other duties as assigned.

• OCCASIONAL DUTIES:

1. May include attendance at various training seminars.
2. May include participation in local community organizations.

• WORKING CONDITIONS: (SITTING, STANDING, WALKING, OVERTIME, ETC.)

1. Must have reliable, independent transportation with valid insurance.
2. Must be able to travel extensively (locally).
3. Must be able to observe and access jobs and tasks at multiple and diverse work sites.
4. Must handle multiple priorities.
5. Must navigate and transport participants to various sites in Indiana, Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
6. Must communicate extensively in person, via phone, and computer programs

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is seeking individuals to serve in a mission driven organization that has over 100 years of success and provides the benefits including:

• Competitive Pay: Starting pay rate $20.50/Hr. 
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
• Paid Vacation and Sick
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program

Come join our award-winning organization and assist individuals with disabilities to obtain their career goals.  If you’re looking for a rewarding, fulfilling experience, please join our team!

Please complete application and attach a resume with detailed work experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the position.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled