Career Development Specialist

About the Role

Provide case management, vocational guidance, advocacy, training, and supervision to persons with disabilities and barriers to employment in accordance with the mission of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA/Good Vocations and Workforce Development. Assist the Contract Project Manager with administration and contract management on Robins Air Force Base with the SourceAmerica-AbilityOne program.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and related services to participants in support of the program’s financial, mission, training, continuous quality improvement, and marketing goals.
• Assist Contract Project Manager with administration and contract management.
• Assist in recruitment of eligible participants qualified for funding to ensure financial sustainability of programs.
• Ensure that highest quality, individualized services are delivered to program participants with a focus on the mission of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA.
• Interview participants concerning work history, education, vocational interests and goals, social, economic, and medical background, as well as other related factors.
• Conduct orientation for new participants regarding program services, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain regular contact with referring counselor/agency.
• Provide individualized vocational counseling and guidance; teach life skills, work adjustment, transportation training, employment skills, or other related curricula to participants on caseload.
• Maintain all documentation and records of program participants.
• Prepare reports and summaries required for applicable funding and regulatory sources.
• Ensure smooth transition of cases across services and programs as necessary.
• Observe and meet with participants on the job in community-based work sites.
• Coordinate supervision of all participants to ensure program quality and consistency.
• Support and advocate for the program participant and their right to a higher quality of life through work within the parameters of the program.
• Ensure protection and confidentiality of participant’s rights.
• Provide ongoing supportive counseling and crisis intervention as needed by coordinating referral to and utilization of community resources.
• Maintain all documentation and records of program operations.
• Separate, open, review, and maintain participant case files and documents according to Workforce Development policies and procedures.
• Prepare individual development plan (IDP) and engage in quarterly updates in achieving goals.
• Comply with Agency, WFD, CARF, federal, and grant regulations, policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the Agency’s safety and security policies and procedures.
• Participate or lead program advisory council, community advisory boards, and/or associations related to trade as assigned.
• Maintain quality relationships with community partners.
• Participate in community and Goodwill meetings as needed or as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Environment & Requirements

• The ability to push, pull, and lift 20 lbs. with or without accommodations.
• Must be able to safely operate a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to meet all physical requirements to perform all duties relating to Career Services including driving, material handling, transporting and carrying documents, handbooks, and various supplies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a social service, workforce development, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a vocationally related field and two (2) years of experience in counseling, linking with community resources, special education, or instruction. In the absence of a higher education degree, the individual must work under the direct, on-site supervision of someone with a master’s or bachelor’s degree as listed above.
• Working knowledge of case management, interviewing, and counseling techniques.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience with medical, psychological, social, and vocational aspects of disability and/or economic disadvantage; community resources, occupational information, and job readiness.
• Must be proficient in the use of computer systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to facilitate positive actions and growth of participants in a flexible geographic work environment and working hours where self-direction, prioritizing, and organizational skills are crucial to success.
• Strong ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain positive working relationships with a wide variety of organizations and individuals.
• Must have access to and maintain reliable transportation and a clean motor vehicle report (MVR).