Job Information
Goodwill Northern New England Vocational Support Advisor - York, Cumberland County in Portland, Maine
Description
Goodwill Northern New England — good works here!
This role will have the option to work out of one of our four offices which are Sanford, Kittery, Portland, and Windham!
Goodwill is looking for Full and Part time Vocational Support Advisor to join our staff! At Goodwill, we believe in the power of work to transform lives. As a nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to helping individuals facing barriers to employment find meaningful work opportunities. When you join our team, you become part of a community passionate about making a positive impact.
Here, you'll be part of a team that values collaboration, respect, and diversity. We celebrate each team member's unique strengths and abilities, fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. Working together creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for our customers, clients, and fellow employees.
Job Summary:
As a Vocational Support Advisor you'll play a vital role in helping clients overcome employment barriers and achieve their short-term and long-term employment and training-related goals. You will connect clients with opportunities that lead to sustainable jobs, ultimately contributing to their success.
Coordinates services for clients with disabilities resulting in a substantial impediment to employment, in partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) along with other internal and external programs, service providers, and community organizations.
Connects customers with potential employers and communicates extensively with the Disability Services team.Initiates and maintains ongoing contact with our contract holder, a variety of relevant businesses, and team members to ensure quality services for our clients.
Recruits’ companies to participate in VR services, including Work-Based Learning opportunities, informational interviews, job shadows, job site tours, and employment.
Educate clients and businesses on reasonable accommodations, disability etiquette, employee/employer rights and disability disclosure.
Assess client skills, need for support and disability related barriers to employment.
Manages complex relationships between clients, DVR/DBVI, employers, families/guardians, school systems, case managers and all other relevant stakeholders, while maintaining client confidentiality.
Manages time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet established deadlines. Candidates should be capable of working under pressure and maintaining productivity in a fast-paced environment, ensuring that all projects are completed on schedule.
Responsible for submitting timely and accurate case data that supports contract measures and outcomes.
Responds to client, funder, and employer needs.
Demonstrates and adheres to client confidentiality policies.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or Equivalency, in combination with either:
Experience working with people with disabilities
Experience developing business relationships
Solid understanding of job search and job development techniques
Proficiency in computer-based applications and software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, iPhone application and basic data entry to maintain client flies. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues and adapt to new technologies as needed.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
ACRE certification or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of date of hire.
Must be able to travel as required.
Valid driver’s license permitting operation of a vehicle with a safe driving record
Criminal background check that meets Agency standards
Preferred Qualifications:
BA/BS in rehabilitation services, business, human services, human relations, or related fields with experience supporting people with disabilities.
BENEFITS:
In addition to employment that is fulfilling, meaningful, and supportive, Goodwill employees also receive:
Medical, Vision, and Dental benefits
Telehealth services for physical and mental well-being
30% Employee discount at Goodwill stores in ME, NH & VT.
Generous PTO Plan
Valuable job training with growth potential
And more!
What makes Goodwill NNE special is how much we care about our employees. We offer "life navigation" services, which means you can get free counseling and help if you're going through tough times. Goodwill NNE is all about creating a friendly and respectful workplace. We want everyone to be kind, open, good listeners, and supportive of each other. When you join the Goodwill NNE team, you're not just getting a job; you're becoming part of a community that looks out for its employees and their well-being.
Qualifications
Skills
Preferred
Customer Service: Advanced
American Sign Language: Intermediate
Goal Setting: Intermediate
Problem Solving: Intermediate
Empathy: Intermediate
Documentation: Intermediate
Confidentiality: Intermediate
Communication - written: Intermediate
Communication - verbal: Intermediate
Behaviors
Preferred
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Preferred
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Education
Required
- High School Diploma/GED or better
Preferred
- Bachelor's Degree - Related field or better
Licenses & Certifications
Required
- Drive. Lic. - Class C
Experience
Preferred
- Knowledge of blind and visually impaired and hard of hearing, and deaf cultures.
- Commitment to serving individuals with disabilities.