Career Development Specialist

Goodwill Industries Ontario Great Lakes•Hamilton, ON

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Career Development Specialist is responsible for engaging, supporting, guiding and following up with job seeking clients in the Career Centre. As a first and primary point of contact for job seekers, the Career Development Specialist will warmly welcome clients using a strengths-based approach to service, deliver appropriate and timely employment interventions and case manage the client through all service delivery aspects. Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes is a leading non-profit organization committed to changing lives and communities through the power of WORK. The organization strives to create a workplace which is welcoming and respectful to all where every employee and member feels valued and supported. Their mission is to change lives and communities through the power of WORK, with a vision for everyone to be working and thriving in sustainable communities. Values include Inclusion, Compassion, Aspiring Workforce, Respect, and Empathy.

Requirements

Valid driver's license
Reliable insured vehicle
Demonstrated knowledge and adherence to funder guidelines
Strong Interpersonal/Team Communication, guided by empathy and optimism
Self-Reflection skills
Strong networking skills
Employment counselling techniques and tools
Broad Knowledge of community employment programs and services
Assessment skills
Knowledge of labour market and future employment trends
Strong documentation skills
Computer skills
Excellent customer service skills
Community engagement/networking skills
Acceptable criminal reference check
Excellent oral/written communication skills

Nice To Haves

3-5 years’ experience working with people with barriers to employment
Professional development in coaching or employment, social services, life skills, marketing, customer service
Diploma or degree in related field (Counselling, Social Services, Psychology)
Common Assessment Training
Knowledge of current labour market trend
Experience in conducting group and individual counselling/instructional sessions

Responsibilities

Welcome clients into service with engaging, optimistic, timely responsible employment services.
Provide services in person from Career Centre, other community locations, virtually or by telephone.
Using the Common Assessment process, assist clients in developing an employment service plan and open case files following current guidelines.
Work in collaboration with job seekers to develop and initiate realistic and client centered return to work action plans.
Serve as primary contact for clients throughout their involvement in Employment Services.
Monitor and evaluate service plan effectiveness and update with stakeholders to build successful outcomes and achieve funder targets.
Follow Goodwill Career Centre Case Management Toolkit and all program guidelines and funder expectations as outlined in funding agreement.
Arrange and participate in collaborative case conferences with stakeholders to support client success.
Maintain accurate and up to date evidence of employment counselling in electronic and paper file system.
Work in collaboration with Goodwill personnel and clients to deliver identified individual and group employment service interventions as outlined in the Client Service Plan, including but not limited to: interventions in Career Decision Making; Skills Enhancement; Job Search; Job Retention.
Maintain all appropriate follow up activities including returning job seeker phone calls within a 24 hour time frame and maintain an “active” caseload that guarantees client contact at intervals of no longer than 10 days between contact while respecting client expressed preferences.
Close client files at conclusion of service plan.
Support employment retention throughout 12-month post-case management cycle, documenting all contacts and outcomes.
Develop and submit a minimum of 1 job seeker success story per month following guidelines.
Follows the Customer Care Cycle (I Care) consistently providing world class customer service to all customers, internal and external, of Goodwill.
Network and liaise with community service providers to remain current about service options – may include public speaking and formal presentations.
Keep current with Labour Market Information and employment trends.
Adhere to our Public Relations policy, acting as a ‘positive ambassador’ when representing Goodwill’s brand in the community.
Perform other related activities, as necessary or as assigned.
Follow all safety standards set out in legislation and/or Goodwill policies.
Be actively involved in the health, well-being and safety of themselves and their team.
Timely and Accurate completion of service provider requirements for Ministry Delivered Products including but not limited to Better Jobs Ontario, Job Creation Partnership within current guidelines and timelines.
Respond to inquiries from management in regards to client data, self-reflections and other information as needed.
Complete reporting templates as assigned.
Other duties as required, including but not limited to coverage of resource centre and front desk.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation Package
Benefits (dental/health) available for full-time and some part-time positions (based on hours worked)
Registered Pension Plan opportunity for various roles
Employee discount at retail locations
Equitable access to skills training & coaching, scholarships, and educational credentials
Personal and professional development support with Life Coach & Employee Assistance Program
Building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live
Employer of choice across Southwestern Ontario who meets the Federal Government’s 50/30 challenge for diversity in leadership
Commitment to accessibility and mobility (various walking devices and wheelchair accessible work locations)
Mission-driven organization committed to the Power of Work
Environmentally committed to meeting our goal of zero waste on planet earth
Respectful, fun, and supportive team and leadership
Accredited through CARF International