Supported Employment
Ensuring Success On Every Shift
career development Services
Goodwill of Central Iowa’s Supported Employment programs provide one-on-one assistance to obtain long-term, competitive employment. Our Supported Employment team guides job seekers with physical or intellectual disabilities through the process of finding, earning, and maintaining purposeful employment.
Participants explore and identify their interests in employment and partner closely with a Goodwill of Central Iowa Career Specialist to identify any barriers that may challenge successful employment. They receive assistance searching for potential jobs and filling out applications. Participants also receive support through the interview process, as well as guidance while accepting and starting new roles.
Learn more about our supported employment programs
Meet Brandon, Career Specialist
“The Career Specialist position at Goodwill is a great way to help participants gain freedom and independence in the working community. I enjoy it because I get to know other’s needs and interests and find creative ways to help them achieve their employment goals.”
Brandon Lindsey, Career Specialist
Job Coaching Services
Job Coaching participants will get assistance in learning and performing on-site job tasks. They will receive help in Identifying issues and proposing solutions for the success of employees in partnership with employers. Our program also offers on-site coaching to ensure short- and long-term work goals are met.
Meet Mary, Job Coach
“My best experiences are when a participant interacts with customers and vice versa. It always brings a smile to the participant’s and the customer’s faces. It is a joyful experience to watch.”
Mary O’Brien, Job Coach
Our Impact
Des Moines area business locations have Goodwill Program Participants on staff.
Unique individuals received Goodwill Supported Employment Services in 2023.
of Goodwill participants placed in employment retain their new job for over 90 days.
Qualifications for Supported Employment Participants
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a diagnosed intellectual disability or mental illness or perceived barrier to employment.
- Candidates must be able to perform activities of daily living without full-time oversight and not harmful to self or others.
- Candidates must be able to benefit from the program and have funding for the program (unless covered by grant).
- Candidates must have two forms of ID (ability to work/I9).
- Candidates must have transportation to and from programming and future employment (self or case manager arranged).
