Career Development Specialist

This position is responsible for meeting the training needs of both customers and area businesses/employers. The Career Development Specialist works with Case Managers and Business Service Representatives to assess the training needs of our program customers and the employment community. This position is responsible for providing motivational, soft skills, and job readiness curriculum as well as assessing customers for skills, interests, and aptitudes. They have oversight for curriculum development and presentation and developing a regional training calendar.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Community Engagement & Barrier Reduction

• Assess program participant strengths and needs and provide guidance and assistance with their training and employment goals through development of job readiness & life skills workshops.
• Develop and maintain soft skills and job readiness curriculum that provides measurable skill improvement for our program customers
• Direct facilitation of both one-on-one and group customer training.
• Run IWDS reports and maintain customer case notes
• Assist with testing and assessment as needed, utilize available resources, assessments, and career exploration tools.

Employer Partnerships & Workforce Development

• Keep informed of local employment needs, conduct employment related workshops, and provide job leads.
• Become familiar with local, state and federal policies and procedures.
• Assist the Business Services Team with keeping the job board current, connecting with participants, service routing of participants to training or work-based learning.
• Participate in committees and planning and evaluation sessions with other program staff.
• Work in collaboration with partner programs and participate in cross-training as necessary.

Operational Excellence

• Assist with special projects, grants, marketing, and training programs.
• Attend professional development training opportunities and participate in conferences and workshops as they relate to job duties.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect customers’ personal Identifying Information (PII) as required by law.
• Show flexibility and tolerance in dealing with persons from disadvantaged social, economic and educational backgrounds.
• Maintain professionalism, using tact and courtesy to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications & Basic Job Requirements:

• Degree in education, social work, or related field or 2-3 years of experience teaching or instructing
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of community and individual needs
• Advanced computer skills to manage databases and work with Microsoft applications
• Excellent classroom presentation skills and understanding concepts of adult learning and how to address different learning skills.
• Ability to travel to locations throughout designated territory. Driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.

Sensory and Physical Requirements:

Ability to efficiently and effectively perform all functions of the job.  Valid Driver’s license and reliable, insured automobile. Must be able to travel to locations throughout designated territory.

Principal Challenges:

Ensuring effective community outreach and helping people recognize the importance of training and education.

Environment:

The work is conducted at The Workforce Connection facilities with travel to local sites in Belvidere, Freeport, and Rockford. Hours are primarily daytime hours but can include evening and/or weekend hours.

Compensation: $22.00 - $27.50/hour

Key Benefits We Offer

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision insurance, basic and voluntary life insurance as well as short-term disability and employee assistance program.
• Financial Security: Competitive salary, retirement plans with employer discretionary match, and bonus opportunity.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, and flexible schedule.
• Professional Growth: Training programs, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement opportunities.
• Perks & Extras: Employee discounts, and a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Thank you for your interest in working at Goodwill.  We commit to providing each applicant with a hiring experience that allows you to bring your authentic self to the table. If you need an alternative method to apply this for position, please contact Goodwill's Human Resource Department at SharethaH@goodwillni.org.