Wednesday, September 10, 2014

How can Goodwill serve our Financial Coaching Clients?

Goodwill of Central Texas Home

Who does Goodwill serve?
Everyone! While there are age-specific programs for youth (ages 14-21), Goodwill helps anyone along the spectrum, including the elderly, temporarily unemployed, and long-term unemployed clients. While it is typically easier for them to find full-time positions, they will also assist folks who are looking for part-time work to supplement their income.

What’s the difference between Workforce and Goodwill?
While both provide an important community service, Goodwill has the capacity to pair clients 1:1 with a caseworker. In fact, Goodwill has never waitlisted a potential client!

Aside from locating potential employers, what else can an employment specialist provide? 
Through their case managers, clients can receive job readiness training, resumes, cover letters, and other supportive services, such as vouchers for public transportation and interview outfits.

My client receives disability. Is there a way for s/he to supplement that income? 
Yes! Depending on the severity of the disability, clients can still seek out Goodwill’s services even when receiving SSDI. Clients will need to take into consideration any earning limits to retain their benefits, but can use Goodwill to seek out part-time work. The Community Rehabilitative Programs specifically serve clients who are in the DARS system.

My client has trouble getting to interviews. Is there a way around this problem? 
Of course! After a client has met with an employment specialist and sought out job opportunities, he or she will be given transportation vouchers in order to access public transportation and get to their interview.

What’s this I see about occupational trainings? 
Goodwill’s occupational trainings will offer clients certifications in specific career-paths. Programs are offered on either full or part-time schedules, and are taught by accredited organizations such as ACC. At the end of the course, clients are able to attend a career fair with organizations who are searching for employees with that particular skill. To get your daily acronym overload, take a look at the list below:

o   CDL: Commercial Driver’s License
o   CAMT: Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician
o   HVAC: Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
o   CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant
o   Hospitality
o   PC Tech

How can my client get involved in one of their programs? 
Aside from being open to walk-ins and appointments here at the Community Financial Center from 1-5 on Tuesday afternoons, clients can also call 512-637-7580 to set up an appointment, or walk in to any of Goodwill’s three locations:

o   Central: 1817 E. 6th Street
o   South: 6505 Burleson Road

Boy, that wasn't comprehensive at all. Now what?

For more information on any of these programs, please visit www.Goodwillcentraltexas.org