Beyond Barriers Career Coach

This is a full-time daytime position paying $23/hr. based in the Peoria area. Hours may vary based on client needs, with occasional coaching required outside of the typical shift.

The Beyond Barriers Career Coach provides comprehensive career coaching, case management, and employment support to neurodiverse individuals facing potential barriers to employment. This role supports participants throughout the full employment lifecycle: from outreach and enrollment, assessment and planning, skills development, and on-the-job training (OJT), through job placement and retention.  The Career Coach works one-on-one with participants to develop individualized employment plans, deliver job readiness and life skills training, coordinate training and supportive services, and partner with employers and community agencies to ensure successful employment outcomes. This position serves as a key liaison between participants, employers, and service providers while ensuring program, grant, and performance outcomes are met. 

Example Duties and Activities

• Conduct direct community outreach to recruit, enroll, and follow up with individuals interested in employment and training services.
• Complete participant intakes and comprehensive assessments to identify strengths, interests, goals, and barriers to employment.
• Develop and maintain Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) with short- and long-term goals and actionable steps toward employment.
• Provide ongoing case management, career counseling, coaching, and mentoring through training, OJT, job placement, and the first year of employment to support retention.
• Strategically develop return-to-work and career pathways that incorporate job readiness, life skills, vocational training, and supportive services.
• Deliver or coordinate job readiness, life skills, and essential skills training, including interview preparation, professional etiquette, workplace problem-solving, and Road to Success–style curriculum.
• Provide or coordinate financial education once participants have entered employment.
• Assist participants with job search and placement activities, including resume and cover letter development, mock interviews, online applications, and targeted job leads.
• Identify and coordinate education, training, accommodations, and supportive services needed to help participants overcome barriers to employment.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers to create job placement and OJT opportunities aligned with participant skills and employer needs.
• Conduct on-site employer visits during OJT to monitor progress, support participants, and assess the need for additional training or services.
• Serve as a liaison between participants, employers, community agencies, and internal staff to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources and provide appropriate referrals to participants.
• Document all participant activities, progress, and outcomes accurately and timely in required data systems, ensuring compliance with CARF, grant, and funder guidelines.
• Compile, submit, and maintain required reports, ensuring data accuracy and adherence to grant and fiscal requirements.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, audits, monitoring visits, and special events as required.
• Collaborate closely with staff to share resources and continuously improve services and outcomes.
• Ensure safety of participants, staff, and partners by following all organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Competencies 

• Degree and Credential Requirements - NONE! We value candidates who can demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them contribute. We believe in continuous learning and professional development.
• Industry Knowledge -  Knowledge of job readiness, vocational training pathways, OJT models, and employer engagement strategies.  Ability to match participant skills and goals with employer needs and labor market opportunities.
• Coaching & Facilitation - Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and support individuals facing multiple barriers to employment.  Skilled in developing individualized employment plans and providing long-term follow-up to support job retention.
• Building Collaborative Relationships - Maintains professional networks with social service providers, employers, and community partners. Provides and receives feedback to improve programs and participant outcomes.
• Communication Skills - Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend others' needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Teamwork - Works well with others and makes valued contributions in a team setting in order to achieve the required goals and outcomes. Contributes to creating a positive work environment that promotes productivity, mentoring, teamwork, and partnership.
• Adaptability - Adjusts priorities quickly in response to frequently changing circumstances while maintaining a positive attitude. Continually assesses tasks and responds to those requiring extra attention. Foresees and seeks to avoid crisis management.
• Technical Knowledge - Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google, and database or case management systems.

Other Requirements 

• Background Screening - All candidates must pass a pre-employment background check.  Must have a valid driver’s license, up-to-date auto insurance, and a good driving record.
• Ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule beyond normal business hours.
• Is willing to travel to participants’ workplaces, community centers, and other venues at times that are convenient to individuals being served.
• CPR/First Aid/AED- certification may be required (training provided by Goodwill).

Employment Status

• This position is supported by grant funding and is considered at-will employment. While the organization anticipates the role will continue long term, continuation of the position is dependent upon the availability and renewal of grant funding.

Benefits: Full-time employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Continuing education and leadership development as well as tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sabbatical and parental leaves
• Life, dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program
• Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
• Retirement planning options with generous company % match
• Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Mission and Values: click here (for IN) and here (for IL)

Goodwill Legacy Group is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled employer

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