Employment Specialist

Department: People Operations
Reports to: Sr. Manager of Training
Status: Non‑Exempt – Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Position Summary

Assists a diverse pool of program participants with career planning and decision‑making, providing intensive career counseling, assessments, enrollment into career pathways, and job‑search assistance and retention services. Advises on labor‑market trends and guides participants regarding career pathway training/re‑training needs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure Workforce Development (WFD) compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Provide intensive, comprehensive employment case management and career planning services to participants enrolled in the program and Career Connections.
• Maintain a rolling caseload per program requirements.
• Review assessments of participants’ employment and training needs, individualized employment plans, etc., to guide job‑training plans and potential co‑enrollment into other Goodwill Houston programs.
• Monitor and evaluate participant progress through individualized employment plans; provide guidance, coaching, and motivation to obtain/maintain credentials and employment.
• Maintain relationships with partnering agencies and make appropriate referrals for supportive services that mitigate barriers and enhance employability.
• Work with Career Connection team members to prepare job seekers for employment, including resume preparation, interviewing skills, and workplace etiquette.
• Conduct employment‑readiness workshops and provide one‑on‑one job coaching.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date data entry for billing purposes.
• Ensure participants understand and conform to program policies and expectations.
• Provide job development assistance by matching participants to appropriate jobs and placing them in industry‑related employment, with ongoing follow‑ups for retention.
• Support participants in maintaining employment by providing resources for job sustainability.
• Maintain real‑time data entry, electronic and hard‑copy confidential files, and input necessary information into CaseWorthy (data management system), including progress reports, case notes, and completion and retention documentation.
• Travel to multiple locations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and a friendly, cooperative attitude.
• Multi‑task, make quick decisions, adapt to change, and work in a team‑oriented, fast‑paced environment.
• Adhere to all Goodwill Houston policies & procedures, loss‑prevention & safety regulations, and guiding principles.
• Maintain punctuality, dependable attendance, and appropriate appearance.
• Conduct work safely; maintain good housekeeping standards and keep aisles and fire‑exit pathways clear.
• Comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of workforce development, career services, and/or human services experience.
• Excellent computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of individual Employment Plans, case management, and career service activities.
• Ability to supervise multiple specialized programs and the team members working under those programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and interact well with a variety of personality types.
• Analytical ability to identify opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and develop effective approaches.
• Capability to plan, implement, and evaluate achievement of goals, objectives, and work plans.
• Reliable transportation.

Key Performance Indicators

• Meet or exceed all portfolio programs’ outputs, outcomes, and goals for the calendar/fiscal year.
• Ensure data utilization and accuracy of 90 % or higher by conducting regular audits of CaseWorthy reporting.
• Update enrollments, case notes, and documents within 24 hours of services or information received.
• Prepare weekly KPIs and monthly status reports.
• Review all data reports, funding applications, and administrative documents prior to submission for director approval.
• Execute WFD projects as assigned.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and reach.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lb.