Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist 

Full-Time | Pay Range $23.31-$29.14

Help People Find Careers and Help Employers Find Talent

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is seeking an Employment Specialist to connect job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities while building strong partnerships with employers throughout the community.

This role combines career coaching, job placement, employer engagement, and retention support to help individuals achieve long-term employment success. The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, organized, and passionate about helping people overcome barriers to employment and build sustainable careers.

What You'll Do

• Provide individualized employment support to job seekers through career planning, job search assistance, resume development, interview preparation, and onboarding support
• Conduct regular outreach and follow-up with participants seeking employment or working to maintain current employment
• Assist participants in accessing workforce resources, technology, and job search tools
• Match participants with employment opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and career goals
• Track participant progress and support achievement of placement and retention goals
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers to identify hiring opportunities for workforce development participants
• Serve as a trusted workforce partner by understanding employer hiring needs, workforce challenges, and skill requirements
• Conduct employer outreach through phone calls, site visits, networking events, and community engagement activities
• Coordinate hiring events, employer information sessions, recruiting events, and candidate interviews
• Conduct job analyses and assess candidate suitability to support successful job placements
• Provide post-employment support to employers and employees to promote long-term retention
• Address workplace concerns through coaching, problem-solving, and conflict resolution
• Conduct regular follow-up contacts with employers and participants following placement
• Collaborate with workforce development staff to improve participant readiness and employment outcomes
• Maintain accurate case notes, placement records, retention documentation, and participant activity in organizational databases
• Monitor progress toward individual, team, and organizational performance goals
• Prepare reports and outcome data as required
• Participate in team meetings, planning activities, and continuous improvement efforts

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Human Resources, Marketing, Sales, Business, or a related field
• Minimum of two years of experience in:
  • Job development
  • Career coaching
  • Employment services
  • Recruiting
  • Staffing
  • Human services case management
  • Workforce development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in staffing, recruiting, workforce development, or employment services
• Experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment
• Knowledge of local labor market trends and employer hiring practices

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong relationship-building and customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Ability to coach, motivate, and support job seekers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of labor market trends, career pathways, and employment practices
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Experience with case management and outcome tracking
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, and online job search tools
• Results-driven mindset focused on participant and employer success

Why Join Goodwill?

At Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, you'll help individuals transform their lives through employment while building partnerships that strengthen local businesses and communities.

What You'll Love About This Role

• Mission-driven work with measurable impact
• Opportunity to build relationships with employers throughout the region
• Blend of career coaching, recruiting, and community engagement
• Collaborative workforce development team
• Professional growth opportunities and comprehensive benefits

Learn more about careers and benefits:
https://goodwillches.org/about-us/goodwill-careers/ 

Additional Requirements

• Valid Maryland driver's license required
• Must meet Maryland insurance requirements
• Local travel throughout Goodwill's service area required

EOE – Including Disability/Veterans