Employment Specialist - Parkersburg

As an Employment Specialist with Goodwill Industries of the Summit, your primary responsibilities will revolve around coordinating the WV SNAP outreach program. This includes client recruitment, conducting intakes and assessments, managing client cases, and facilitating individual employment plans. You'll provide information on available services, perform vocational evaluations, and help clients develop career goals, ensuring they receive the personalized support they need to succeed.

To be considered for the Employment Specialist role at Goodwill Industries of the Summit, candidates should ideally possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, alongside at least two years of relevant experience. However, a combination of education and experience will also be taken into account. A valid driver's license with a safe driving history is required, as is reliable transportation to fulfill your job responsibilities effectively.

The Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in implementing the WV SNAP program by creating awareness about its benefits among community members. This includes providing detailed information during public presentations and one-on-one sessions, assisting eligible individuals with their applications, and evaluating the program's effectiveness through community needs assessments. Your work will directly enable individuals to access the resources they need to find employment.

The starting rate of pay for the Employment Specialist position at Goodwill Industries of the Summit is $18.00 per hour. This competitive salary reflects our commitment to attracting skilled professionals who are eager to support individuals in our communities and help them achieve their employment goals.

Goodwill Industries of the Summit offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Employment Specialists, which includes retirement benefits, group health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and paid time off. This holistic approach to employee well-being underscores our dedication to supporting our team as much as we support our clients.

When conducting a vocational evaluation, I would first gather comprehensive background information about the client’s education, work history, and any barriers they may face. I would implement various assessments to evaluate their skills and interests, followed by analyzing the results to develop a structured plan that aligns with their career aspirations.

In handling resistant clients, I would approach them with empathy and understanding, engaging them in a conversation to explore their concerns. Building rapport is crucial, and I would take the time to discuss the benefits of the program and involve them in creating a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.

To present information about the WV SNAP benefits effectively, I would employ engaging visuals during public presentations and encourage interactive discussions to foster understanding. Providing real-life examples and relatable scenarios could also help demystify the application process and inform potential participants about the advantages of the program.

I prioritize tasks by assessing the urgency and importance of each client's needs. I maintain an organized case management system to track deadlines, progress reports, and essential follow-ups. Regularly reviewing my workload enables me to allocate time effectively and ensure that each client receives the attention they require.

One client I worked with struggled with transportation access, limiting their job opportunities. I researched local transportation options and collaborated with community organizations to provide resources. With the support in place, the client successfully secured transportation to their job, leading to their employment. This experience highlighted the importance of resourcefulness in client support.

The most important quality for an Employment Specialist is empathy. Understanding clients’ unique challenges and aspirations allows us to build trust and create personalized plans that truly meet their needs. This compassion transforms our interactions and is essential to fostering client success.

I would assess a client’s job readiness by evaluating their skills, work experiences, and personal goals through both assessments and interviews. Additionally, I would explore their understanding of job expectations and help them identify any areas needing development, ultimately facilitating their path towards employment.

To build relationships with local employers, I would engage them through networking events, provide information about the benefits of hiring individuals from our program, and follow up regularly about their needs. Establishing a partnership based on understanding and mutual goals is key to fostering ongoing collaboration.

I understand the paramount importance of client confidentiality. I would ensure that all sensitive information is discussed in secure settings, adhere to legal guidelines regarding data protection, and emphasize the need for discretion in all interactions, maintaining the trust that clients place in us.

My motivation in this field comes from a deep-seated desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Witnessing the transformation and empowerment of individuals overcoming barriers to employment is incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about contributing to their journeys and believing in their potential makes my role immensely fulfilling.