Beyond Barriers Career Coach

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois • Peoria, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Beyond Barriers Career Coach provides comprehensive career coaching, case management, and employment support to neurodiverse individuals facing potential barriers to employment. The role supports participants throughout the employment lifecycle, from outreach, enrollment, assessment, and planning through skills development, on-the-job training (OJT), job placement, and retention. The Career Coach works individually with participants to create employment plans, deliver job readiness and life skills training, coordinate training and supportive services, and collaborate with employers and community agencies to support successful employment outcomes. The position serves as a liaison among participants, employers, and service providers and helps ensure program, grant, and performance outcomes are met.

This is a full-time position paying $23 per hour, based at the corporate office in Peoria, Illinois. The position is supported by grant funding and is at-will; continuation depends on the availability and renewal of grant funding. The role may occasionally require a flexible schedule beyond normal business hours and travel to participants’ workplaces, community centers, and other venues at times convenient to those being served.

Requirements

• No degree or credential is required.
• Knowledge of job readiness, vocational training pathways, OJT models, and employer engagement strategies.
• Ability to match participant skills and goals with employer needs and labor market opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and support individuals facing multiple employment barriers.
• Skill in developing individualized employment plans and providing long-term follow-up to support job retention.
• Ability to maintain professional networks with social service providers, employers, and community partners and to exchange feedback to improve programs and outcomes.
• Effective oral, written, visual, non-verbal, listening, in-person, written, and digital communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with others and contribute to a positive, productive team environment.
• Ability to adapt priorities to changing circumstances while maintaining a positive attitude and anticipating tasks requiring attention.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google, and database or case management systems.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and a good driving record.
• Willingness to travel to participants’ workplaces, community centers, and other venues at times convenient to participants.
• Ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule beyond normal business hours.

Nice To Haves

• CPR/First Aid/AED certification may be required; training is provided by Goodwill.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to recruit, enroll, and follow up with individuals interested in employment and training services.
• Complete participant intakes and comprehensive assessments to identify strengths, interests, goals, and employment barriers.
• Develop and maintain Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) with short- and long-term goals and actionable steps.
• Provide case management, career counseling, coaching, and mentoring throughout training, OJT, job placement, and the first year of employment to support retention.
• Develop return-to-work and career pathways incorporating job readiness, life skills, vocational training, and supportive services.
• Deliver or coordinate job readiness, life skills, and essential skills training, including interview preparation, professional etiquette, workplace problem-solving, and Road to Success–style curriculum.
• Provide or coordinate financial education after participants enter employment.
• Assist with job search and placement, including resume and cover letter development, mock interviews, online applications, and targeted job leads.
• Identify and coordinate education, training, accommodations, and supportive services to help participants overcome employment barriers.
• Build and maintain employer relationships to create job placement and OJT opportunities aligned with participant skills and employer needs.
• Conduct on-site employer visits during OJT to monitor progress, support participants, and assess needs for additional training or services.
• Coordinate service delivery as a liaison among participants, employers, community agencies, and internal staff.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and provide appropriate referrals.
• Document participant activities, progress, and outcomes accurately and promptly in required data systems, following CARF, grant, and funder guidelines.
• Compile, submit, and maintain required reports while ensuring data accuracy and compliance with grant and fiscal requirements.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, audits, monitoring visits, and special events as required.
• Collaborate with staff to share resources and continuously improve services and outcomes.
• Promote the safety of participants, staff, and partners by following organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Continuing education and leadership development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Sabbatical leave
• Parental leave
• Life insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Preventive health and wellness program
• Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
• Retirement planning options with company match
• Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed