Goodwill Northern New England — good works here!
This role will have the option to work out our Lewiston or Topsham office!
Goodwill is looking for full 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.
Travel Required
Yes. Around assigned area depending on office location
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.
Experience
Preferred
- Knowledge of blind and visually impaired and hard of hearing, and deaf cultures. - Commitment to serving individuals with disabilities. Licenses & Certifications
Required
Drive. Lic. - Class C
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.