Retention Specialist - 3-Month Contract

Goodwill is hiring, join our growing organization today! We are looking for people just like YOU!

The Retention Specialist is responsible for providing client centered employment counselling to local citizens. The candidate will have the ability to represent Goodwill professionally, and strong and engaging communication skills (both written and spoken) are essential. This position is eligible for a 4-day work week.

If you have a passion for helping people, making a difference in your community, and the environment, come join Goodwill! We are a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to improving the lives of others through our mission of WORK.

We welcome all backgrounds, knowledge, abilities, and perspectives. We welcome newcomers to the region to apply. Grow your career, skills and reach your full potential.

This position requires the successful candidate to have a valid driver's license and a reliable insured vehicle. The successful candidate would have to provide proof that they have a valid driver's license and proof of car insurance upon being hired.

About Us

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes is a leading non-profit organization committed to changing lives and communities through the power of WORK. Ready to work or not, a job at Goodwill is a path to work readiness. Our organization strives to create a workplace which is welcoming and respectful to all where every employee and member feels valued and supported.

Mission:

Changing Lives and communities through the power of WORK.

Vision:

Everyone is working and thriving in sustainable communities.

Values:

Inclusion: Embracing all people equally

Compassion: Serving with heart

Aspiring Workforce: Together changing lives through the power of WORK

Respect: Embracing diversity, upholding all people with dignity and trust

Empathy: Ability to walk in each other’s shoes

Why You Will Love Goodwill:

Competitive Compensation Package includes:

• Benefits (dental/health) available for full-time and some part-time positions (based on hours worked).
• Registered Pension Plan opportunity for various roles.
• Employee discount at retail locations.

Exciting career training and coaching:

• Equitable access to skills training & coaching, scholarships, and educational credentials.

Supportive Life and Work Opportunities:

• Personal and professional development support with Life Coach & Employee Assistance Program.
• Work-life balance (we provide flexibility in scheduling your shifts)
• Building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live.

We have an amazing team and workplace:

• Employer of choice across Southwestern Ontario who meets the Federal Government’s 50/30 challenge for diversity in leadership.
• Commitment to accessibility and mobility (various walking devices and wheelchair accessible work locations).
• Mission-driven organization committed to the Power of Work.
• Environmentally committed to meeting our goal of zero waste on planet earth.
• Respectful, fun, and supportive team and leadership.
• Accredited through CARF International.

What You Will Do:

• Function effectively in a performance based, time limited service.
• Ability to self-monitor performance outcomes to achieve goals is key.
• Work in collaboration with job seekers to develop realistic and client centered return to work action plans.
• Using the Assessment Component of Employment Counselling process, assist clients in developing an employment action plan process within current guidelines and timelines.
• Maintain accurate and up to date evidence of employment counselling in electronic and paper file system.
• Maintain all appropriate follow up activities including returning job seeker phone calls within a 24-hour time frame and maintain an "active" caseload that guarantees client contact at a minimum of 10 days between contact.
• Network and liaise with community service providers to remain current about service options.
• Keep current with Labour Market Information and employment trends.
• Adhere to our Public Relations policy, acting as a "positive ambassador" when representing Goodwill's brand in the community.
• Follow all safety standards set out in legislation and/or Goodwill's policies.
• Be actively involved in health, well-being and safety of themselves and their team.

What We Are Looking For:

• Effective leadership characteristics – humility, empathy, courage – to inspire and enact change.
• Exceptional listening skills and high emotional intelligence, respecting differences between various ethnic groups and gender in the workplace.
• Diploma or degree in related field (Human Resources, Counselling, Social Services, Psychology) or demonstrated success in previous work history.
• Professional development in social services, life skills, coaching or employment.
• Successful experience in a target/outcomes-based role.
• Acceptable criminal reference check.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Assessment Component of Employment Counselling; Knowledge of current labour market trend (preferred).
• Enthusiasm: excited to work with other people and teams.
• Flexibility: able to work at various times, including days, evenings, and weekends.
• Communication: effectively speaking with and listening to team members and customers to create a positive workplace.
• Problem-solving: finding solutions to problems, being accurate.

Goodwill Industries OGL thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 29, 2025.