SKILLS TRAINER

Goodwill Industries is a well-established nonprofit organization that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers through skill development, education, and meaningful workforce integration. As an entity committed to social impact, Goodwill Industries operates a variety of retail stores and production environments that not only provide quality goods to the community but also serve as training grounds for participants. These environments are designed to foster personal growth, job readiness, and independence. Goodwill follows rigorous state regulations and community guidelines to ensure a supportive and productive work atmosphere that enables participants to thrive while contributing meaningfully to the workforce.

The role of the Skills Trainer at Goodwill Industries is instrumental in the success of their employment programs. This position focuses on participant training, skill acquisition, and the effective adjustment of individuals to the retail and production work settings offered by Goodwill’s Employment Path - Community initiative. The Skills Trainer works as part of a dedicated team to provide comprehensive support, guidance, supervision, and education to participants who face developmental disabilities or other challenges to competitive employment. This role requires a thoughtful and patient approach, emphasizing coaching, direct training, and positive reinforcement that empower participants to improve their job skills and attain mastery in their designated roles.

The Skills Trainer’s responsibilities extend beyond training alone; they actively engage with participants by demonstrating proper job techniques, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and promoting teamwork and effective communication within the retail or production teams. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient workplace while upholding Goodwill’s policies and regulatory standards including wage and hour requirements. The Skills Trainer must also proficiently document all relevant activities such as case notes, incident reports, and attendance records to maintain compliance with established administrative rules and guidelines.

This role typically operates during standard weekday business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, in indoor settings such as stores or warehouses that may be climate controlled or exposed to typical work environment conditions like moderate noise and dust. The candidate must be physically capable of standing for extended periods and performing tasks that require lifting, bending, and other physical activities.

Goodwill Industries values a professional, ethical, and team-oriented work culture. The Skills Trainer is expected to exhibit excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with participants, coworkers, program management, and outside agencies. The role requires adherence to a dress code aligned with company standards and a commitment to upholding the organization's vision for growth and efficiency.

Candidates must possess a minimum of twelve months of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An associate degree or comparable post-secondary education is preferred, along with certifications such as CPR/First Aid, mandatory abuse prevention, and ongoing in-service training requirements. A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is necessary as occasional travel between sites may be required.

Overall, the Skills Trainer position at Goodwill Industries offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals in overcoming employment barriers, acquiring new skills, and building pathways to sustained independence and community integration. The role emphasizes the core competencies of technical expertise, customer service, interpersonal skills, effective communication, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism.