Who are we?

MERS Missouri Goodwill’s mission is “Changing lives through the power of work.” MERS Missouri Goodwill provides a variety of programs and services to help support this mission. Some of the many programs and services offered are career counseling, skills training, education and literacy programs, employment services, and more.

Position Overview

MERS Goodwill's South County Center Office is looking to add a Job Exploration Specialist to our team. Job Exploration Specialists support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in identifying employment goals and incorporating each individual’s strengths, support needs, and interests.

Essential/Primary Functions

• Perform timely intake interview and develop/maintain individual plan for employment with all participants
• Maintain caseload size that is both programmatically appropriate and ensures that Discovery and Exploration Services are completed in an average of 6-7 weeks
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with referral sources and internal team, and provide ongoing communication regarding case activities
• Utilize referral information, intake information, job history, knowledge of the local employment market, career exploration tools, and job goals to develop appropriate community sites; whenever possible, personalize sites and explore use as a potential employment opportunity
• Complete all agency paperwork in timely manner and maintain confidentiality according to agency guidelines
• Attend community sites and informational interviews with participant, analyzing their abilities, support needs, and strengths related to employment
• Actively work with participant and relevant support team members to determine communication style, transportation needs, job limitations, life skills needs, social supports, and threats to employment; making appropriate recommendations including accommodations
• Maintain average of 3+ new starts each month
• Maintain minimum of 90% of participants completing Discovery and Exploration Services
• Other duties as assigned

What you will love about MERS Goodwill

• Employee retirement (403b) with company matching 50% up to 6% of employee wages after 1 year of employment
• Employer contributed retirement (401a) of varying contribution percentages, annually after 1 year of employment
• Employee Retail Store Discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer paid medical benefits
• Employer subsidized family medical benefits
• Employer subsidized individual and family dental and vision
• Employer contributed life insurance
• Optional short-term disability
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick
• Opportunities for advancement
• Typical schedule Monday through Friday, flexibility allowed

Requirements

• High School / GED required; BA/BS degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field preferred
• 2 years experience working in social services
• Working with individuals with disabilities strongly preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, case file management, and metro area travel required
• Independent transportation and vehicle insurance required

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MERS/ MO Goodwill considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability or any other legally protected status.

Reasonable accommodations may be requested by contacting HR and are provided whenever reasonable to assist employee's in performance of job duties.

MERS/ MO Goodwill requires various background, records and drug checks/test upon employment.

EEOC and AAP