WIOA OOSY Business Engagement Specialist - Hammond - FT

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES GROUP • Hammond, IN

6d • $40,000 - $40,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This role serves as a key strategic partner with WorkOne Goodwill Career Advisors and local companies in LaPorte, Porter, and Lake Counties. The Business Engagement Specialist is responsible for the creation, marketing, branding, selling, recruiting, and providing work experience, on-the-job training, and employment opportunities for out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 and 24. This position reports to the WIOA Team Lead, who evaluates performance annually. The role embodies the Goodwill Mission to “Empower people to achieve their most abundant life” and upholds the Company Core Values of: Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Customer First Mindset, Humble Confidence, Passion for Mission, and Do the Right Thing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of relevant experience in workforce development, career counseling, recruitment, or a related field.
• Strong active listening and counseling skills to effectively guide and support individuals.
• Proven ability to interpret career and educational assessments accurately.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high level of proficiency in data entry and administrative accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet tight deadlines under pressure.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the capacity to prioritize tasks efficiently.
• High level of integrity and discretion when managing confidential information.
• Strong problem solving skills, with the ability to exercise judgment, ingenuity, and initiative when handling complex situations.
• Knowledge of regional education and training resources, including Adult Education Centers.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
• Must have reliable transportation, a current driver's license, and provide proof of insurance to travel to different job sites.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Flexible availability.
• Able to frequently bend, twist, reach above shoulder level, push and pull, crouch or stoop, kneel, repetitively use feet, and use head and neck in a twisting or static motion and to look up and/or down, and lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong business partnerships and relationships with local employers, youth-serving organizations, and post-secondary institutions to advocate for youth workforce development.
• Partner with the WorkOne Business Services Representative (BSR) team to leverage new and existing leads, converting them into Work Experience (WE), On-the-Job Training (OJT), or employment opportunities.
• Schedule and execute daily local travel for community outreach, employer services, marketing, and recruitment activities.
• Manage the screening, application, interview, and hiring process for Out-of-School Youth (OOSY/OSY), facilitating clear communication between candidates and employers.
• Conduct thorough job analyses prior to placement to ensure an appropriate, long-term match between the youth and the employer.
• Provide continuous on-site and off-site job support for placed youth to ensure retention and success.
• Educate employers on ADA compliance and implementing reasonable accommodations.
• Create, deliver, and optimize marketing materials and communication campaigns targeted at businesses, youth, parents, and educators to drive program interest and enrollment.
• Position Goodwill Industries and WorkOne as valuable community resources by delivering workforce-ready youth to competitive industries.
• Coordinate regularly with WorkOne Managers and Goodwill Career Advisors on recruitment, training initiatives, and business service projects, while assisting Advisors with the employer connection process.
• Attend WorkOne staff meetings to share updates and collaborate on shared initiatives.
• Provide comprehensive weekly updates and placement reports to the OOSY Director.
• Maintain and share current knowledge of local labor market trends, innovative employment opportunities, and industry clusters with youth and business partners.
• Utilize required software and database systems proficiently, including Indiana Career Connect, Indiana Career Explorer, TrackOne, Microsoft Office Suite, and any emerging platforms introduced by Goodwill or WorkOne.
• Support other staff members and program initiatives as needed.
• Demonstrate a strong desire for continuous learning, actively seeking professional growth opportunities in relation to youth career exploration and development.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level