Opportunity Center Specialist at Goodwill SWPA – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia is a nonprofit organization that funds job training, education, and other community programs by selling donated clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and online. We offer life-changing work on a mission-minded team. We are 1,000 working as one and each of us is essential to helping our community thrive. For three years running, Goodwill has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies”.

We offer a wide range of career opportunities ranging from entry-level to management in retail, human services, and administrative fields. Learn more about working at Goodwill. You can help. We can show you how.

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Goodwill SWPA's Opportunity Centers are free, comprehensive, career development hubs that help job seekers through workforce development programs focused on addressing barriers to employment. These holistic programs provide a variety of services, such as job search assistance, career counseling, and training for base level, in-demand skills. Opportunity Centers also work with Goodwill SWPA's Business Engagement Team, connecting community members to local employers for sustainable employment.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Opportunity Center Specialist is a key member of the Opportunity Center team, responsible for supporting day-to-day operations and ensuring individuals have access to Goodwill programs, supportive services, and community resources. The Specialist works directly with participants to promote stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success. In partnership with the Coordinator, Welcome Center team, and other Human Services staff at the Opportunity Center, the Specialist serves as the first point of contact for participants, managing front desk operations, conducting intakes and needs assessments, and guiding individuals in setting and achieving personal goals. The Specialist connects participants with employment services, education and training opportunities, and community or internal resources that support their success. They also assist with goal planning, make service referrals, and collaborate with staff to deliver coordinated, wraparound support tailored to each participant’s needs.

This role will be pivotal in supporting community outreach efforts within their assigned Opportunity Center territory and will be expected to work a flexible schedule with varying hours Monday through Friday to meet the operational needs of employees and visitors.

Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-exempt.

Location: Southside Opportunity Center - 2700 E Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203

External Hiring Range: $18.80 - $19.55.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required.

Travel: Possible travel to other Goodwill and partner sites may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Included but not limited to:

Operations:

• Assist in executing day-to-day operations, contributing to the smooth delivery of services, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Provide onsite customer service and create a welcoming environment for attendants of classes, meetings, and community events at the Opportunity Center.
• Collaborate with the Opportunity Center Coordinator to proactively communicate supply needs and ensure replenishment orders are submitted in a timely manner to prevent shortages.

Program Support:

• Facilitate intakes and assessments of participants, upholding individual program/contract standards and documenting appropriately for smooth transition to program teams.
• Support Coordinator and program staff with recruitment, eligibility determination, enrollment and orientation of participants.
• Develop and nurture relationships with the Human Service division’s service areas to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the agency’s programs and services along with community resources across the territory.

Workforce Development:

• Provide specialized support to individuals seeking career services.
• Maintain up to date knowledge on the job market and career tools to guide and educate participants on relevant services, such as updating job board and professional social media profiles, building resumes etc. in the career services industry.
• Develop and facilitate career readiness workshops as relevant to the community. Collaborate with other Goodwill departments and the Opportunity Center Coordinator to identify needed content.
• Direct participants to appropriate workshops throughout Goodwill or within the community.
• Create and update materials, aligned with industry best practices, to help participants with job readiness skills, such as interviewing and writing resumes.

Policies and Standards:

• Be aware of and follow guidelines for all applicable regulatory entities such as Department of Public Welfare, Department of Labor, and PA Department of Education.
• Collect all necessary data to plan and evaluate programming.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Years of Experience:

• High School Diploma AND 5 years experience. OR
• Associates Degree in Psychology, Rehabilitation Science, Social Work, or other related field AND 3 years experience. OR
• Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Rehabilitation Science, Social Work, or other related field AND 1 year experience.

Required:

• Experience connecting at risk, vulnerable populations to community and/or social services, as well as, delivering career services to adult audiences

• Administrative customer service responsibilities

Preferred:

• Prior administrative/office management roles

REQUIRED CLEARANCES, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Qualified candidates must have a valid driver's license, active insurance policy, and reliable transportation for local travel.
• Candidates are expected to complete background checks assigned by Goodwill SWPA, including a National Criminal Background check, prior to their first day of employment.
• Candidates are expected to provide current, valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to their first day of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.