Beyond Barriers Career Coach

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois•Peoria, IL

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, including outreach and enrollment, assessment and planning, skills development, on-the-job training (OJT), job placement, and retention. The Career Coach works one-on-one with participants to develop individualized employment plans; deliver or coordinate job readiness and life skills training; coordinate training and supportive services; and partner with employers and community agencies to support successful employment outcomes. The position is a key liaison among participants, employers, service providers, and internal staff, and helps ensure program, grant, and performance outcomes are met. This is a full-time daytime position based in the Peoria area, paying $23 per hour. Hours may vary based on client needs, and occasional coaching may be required outside the typical shift. The position is supported by grant funding and is at-will; its continuation depends on the availability and renewal of grant funding, although the organization anticipates it will continue long term. The organization requires no specific degree or credential and values demonstrated capability and the ability to explain how prior experience can contribute. Candidates must pass a pre-employment background check, hold a valid driver's license, maintain current auto insurance, and have a good driving record. The role involves occasional flexible scheduling and travel to participants' workplaces, community centers, and other venues. CPR/First Aid/AED certification may be required, with training provided by Goodwill.

Requirements

No degree or credential is required; candidates should be able to demonstrate capability and explain how prior experience will contribute.
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 barriers to employment.
Skill in developing individualized employment plans and providing long-term follow-up to support job retention.
Ability to build professional networks with social service providers, employers, and community partners, and to give and receive feedback.
Effective oral, written, visual, non-verbal, and listening communication skills, including communicating in person, in writing, and digitally.
Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to team goals and a positive, productive work environment.
Adaptability to changing circumstances and priorities while maintaining a positive attitude and anticipating tasks that need attention.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Google tools, and database or case management systems.
Pass a pre-employment background check.
Valid driver's license, up-to-date auto insurance, and a good driving record.
Willingness to occasionally work a flexible schedule beyond normal business hours and travel to participants' workplaces, community centers, and other venues.
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 with short- and long-term goals and actionable steps.
Provide case management, career counseling, coaching, and mentoring through training, OJT, job placement, and the first year of employment.
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, and workplace problem-solving.
Provide or coordinate financial education after participants enter employment.
Assist with job search and placement, including resumes, cover letters, 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 and assess additional training or service needs.
Coordinate service delivery among participants, employers, community agencies, and internal staff.
Maintain current 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, 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 improve services and outcomes.
Promote the safety of participants, staff, and partners by following organizational policies and procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned.