Employment Development Specialist

Goodwill is hiring, join our growing organization today! We are looking for people just like YOU!

The Employment Development Specialist will connect with and work with employers to develop job opportunities that match the skills, abilities, and interests of clients with the goal of assisting clients in securing and retaining meaningful employment. Program assignments may vary.

If you have a passion for helping people, making a difference in your community, and the environment, come join Goodwill! We are a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to improving the lives of others through our mission of WORK.

We welcome all backgrounds, knowledge, abilities, and perspectives. We welcome newcomers to the region to apply. Grow your career, skills and reach your full potential.

This position requires the successful candidate to have a valid driver's license and a reliable insured vehicle. The successful candidate would have to provide proof that they have a valid driver's license and proof of car insurance upon being hired.

About Us

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes is a leading non-profit organization committed to changing lives and communities through the power of WORK. Ready to work or not, a job at Goodwill is a path to work readiness. Our organization strives to create a workplace which is welcoming and respectful to all where every employee and member feels valued and supported.

Mission :

Changing Lives and communities through the power of WORK.

Vision :

Everyone is working and thriving in sustainable communities.

Values :

Inclusion: Embracing all people equally

C ompassion: Serving with heart

A spiring Workforce: Together changing lives through the power of WORK

R espect: Embracing diversity, upholding all people with dignity and trust

E mpathy: Ability to walk in each other’s shoes

Why You Will Love Goodwill:

Competitive Compensation Package includes:

• 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.

Exciting career training and coaching:

• Equitable access to skills training & coaching, scholarships, and educational credentials.

Supportive Life and Work Opportunities:

• Work-life balance (we provide flexibility in scheduling your shifts)
• Building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live.

We have an amazing team and workplace:

• 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.

What You Will Do:

Employer and stakeholder relations: 

• Develops professional, consistent, and on-going relationships with employers and other relevant stakeholders, maintaining regular contact and follow-up. 
• Attends community activities/events to further client job placements and market current programming. 
• Stays current with existing or new developments in the local job market, networking, identifying and acting on opportunities and trends.
• Advises and informs employers about the Canada Ontario Job Grants program (COJG), completing program approval applications as required. 
• Develops job identification strategies, as well as directly markets and introduces clients to employers. 
• Continually reviews client skills and experience and contacts employers with potential job vacancies or opportunities that matches client abilities. 
• Negotiates wage subsidy agreements with employers as required. 
• Actively recruits employers to collaborate and builds strong, ongoing relationships.

Client Services:

• Achieves monthly targets and Key Performance Indicators. 
• Works closely with the client and the Career Specialist to support and assist the client in developing, improving, and implementing successful job search and retention strategies. 
• Maintains regular and timely communication and follow-up with clients and Career Specialists. 
• With a focus on job retention, performs regular follow up with clients and employers to ensure clients are performing their jobs to the employer’s expectations. 
• Supports clients through one-on-one communication as well as facilitates group networking. 
• Ensures clients have a thorough understanding of the employment requirements, employer expectations, and the expressed terms and conditions of the employment. 
• Ensures thorough understanding of, and addresses any safety issues with the client and/or employer prior to job placement.

Administration:

• Prepares a detailed work plan ensuring timelines, client commitments, and monthly job placement targets are met. 
• Updates and maintains the Employment Services Job Board as required. 
• Provides both verbal and written marketing and statistical reports as required. 
• Ensures accurate, timely, and complete records are maintained on each client, using computerized database.

What We Are Looking For:

• Sound knowledge of business-to-business techniques. 
• Expertise in direct marketing or sales. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Ability to meet or exceed established targets. 
• Ability to work independently yet contribute and collaborate as part of a team. 
• Valid Driver’s license and full-time access to an insured vehicle. 
• Flexibility in work scheduling to be available to work days, with some evenings and weekends depending on employer and client schedules. 
• Sound working knowledge of various software including Microsoft Office and Outlook. 
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Sales/Marketing or Business Development.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience in employment, sales/marketing.

Goodwill Industries OGL thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 2, 2025