Workforce Development

Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, & Sandusky Counties’ Workforce Development Department gives program participants the skills to obtain and maintain employment. We put people to work! Through job search assistance, on-the-job supports, vocational training, interview and resume preparation, job seeking skills training, and other programs, we help local residents develop, expand and reach their vocational goals. Goodwill is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Community Employment Services. We are also certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) to provide vocational habilitation services.

Work Hours

Regular business hours are Monday- Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

Employment Programs & Services 

Goodwill’s Workforce Development programs provide a broad range of employment services to eligible participants on a referral basis. Participants may enroll in one or more of the following:

Workforce Development Program Eligibility

To enroll in Workforce Development programs, participants must meet eligibility criteria and be able to demonstrate the following:

  • A referral from a sponsoring agency (ex: OOD, DODD, DJFS, etc.)
  • A physical, emotional, mental disability, special needs or vocational disadvantage.
  • Willingness to participate voluntarily.
  • The minimum age is 14. If under 18, written consent from a parent or guardian is required.
  • Meets additional admission criteria, if applicable, for specific training programs.
  • Mobility through prosthetic or assistive devices and ability to meet personal needs, including feeding and personal hygiene needs.
  • Participation in Goodwill activities requires that a participant’s behavior or disability will not create or contribute to unsafe conditions for the participant or others.

If an individual is declared ineligible for services, the individual and his or her counselor will receive a written statement of the reason(s) for the determination.

Job Search Assistance

Job Search Assistance is utilized to prepare and assist participants in contacting businesses, applying and interviewing with employers, and securing competitive integrated employment. Job Search Assistance should include, but is not limited to: 

  • Instruction and guidance about how to locate potential job opportunities (e.g. networking)
  • Use of Ohio Means Jobs and other electronic job boards, newspapers, online, and cold calling)
  • Development of a resume, mock application template, and cover letters
  • How to answer interview questions, including issues such as gaps in employment histories; requesting reasonable accommodations, addressing criminal histories; and managing online profiles/social media.   

This instruction and guidance from Job Search Assistance services should maximize the independence of the participant to conduct their own job search. Based upon the needs of the participant, Job Search Assistance may also include the job developer updating the job seeker’s resume and mock application, sending out cover letters and resumes to potential employers, providing job leads to the participant to follow up on, review of the participant’s interview skills, follow up contacts with employers when applications have been submitted or when a participant has an interview, discussion of hiring incentives and tax credits with the business, and proving support in requesting and implementing reasonable accommodations.  

A funding agency must refer individuals interested in this service.

On-The-Job Supports

The On-The-Job Supports provide instruction to learn job tasks, develop natural and peer supports, and adjust to the work environment. On-The-Job Supports may occur on-site or off-site. On-The-Job Support services are also utilized to provide continued support to the participant and/or employer after the participant has learned the job tasks and reached their expected level of independence to ensure the stability of the placement and enhance retention. 

The outcome of the service is that the participant will be able to perform job tasks within the employer’s accepted quality and quantity standards and that the participant will have successfully learned the job tasks and adjusted to the work environment.     

 A funding agency must refer individuals interested in this service.

Pre-ETS

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are provided to students with disabilities who have been determined eligible or are potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services. 

Services are short-term and can precede or supplement traditional VR transition services.  They are designed to help students identify career interests and improve the transition of students from school to postsecondary education and/or employment outcomes.   

 A funding agency must refer individuals interested in this service.

Summer Youth Work Experience

Summer Youth Work Experience (SYWE) is a program that gives individuals (ages 14-21) an opportunity to identify several vocational areas of interest, gain a general understanding of the job-seeking process, meet employers’ expectations as far as quality and quantity of work, work behaviors, etc., build upon communication and interpersonal skills, and/or address other potential vocational barriers.

SYWE will take place at various employment locations in the community. SYWE services are based on specific employment outcomes identified by the referral source. While youth are participating in the program, they earn minimum wage.

Individuals interested in this program must be referred by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. To reach their website, click here.

Community-Based Assessment

A Community-Based Assessment (CBA) is a tool to help individuals determine their fit for specific vocational goals. The assessment assists in identifying the individual’s abilities, behaviors, and preferences and exploring specific employment opportunities that may match the individual’s strengths and needs.

A CBA is a time-limited service that evaluates an individual’s vocational abilities. The CBA can be conducted in any community employer location. The participant may advance to job development or possibly be hired by the assessment location. 

A funding agency must refer individuals interested in this service. 

Senior Community Service Employment Program

At Goodwill, we help seniors find work, develop new skills and talents, and build their financial security with the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is an on-the-job training and employment program designed to help those aged 55 and older update their job skills, build work experience and confidence, and continue economic security and well-being.

As a Participant, you receive paid training, gain valuable skills and experience, and build self-confidence. You can use your skills and talents to improve your community by training in a wide variety of locations, including offices, hospitals, daycare centers, and other community organizations.

Want to know if you qualify? Answer the following questions:

  • Are you 55 years of age or older?
  • Are you unemployed?
  • Do you earn a low or no income? (Goodwill will help you determine the income criteria.)
  • Do you wish to work in your community?
  • Do you want to be paid to learn new skills through on-the-job training?

If you answered yes to these questions, you might be eligible for SCSEP!

To learn more about the SCSEP Program, please get in touch with Christine Zimmer at 1-419-625-4744 option 9 or email here.

“Goodwill® proudly participates in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a national employment and training program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. A $22,836,313 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor provided 90 percent of the funding for Goodwill’s SCSEP programs in the program year 2023. Goodwill’s provided the remaining 10 percent through in-kind contributions worth more than $2,537,378.

 See http://www.goodwill.org/scsep/ for funding details. Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties received a sub award of $259,568.00 and is contributing in-kind contributions valued at $30,169.00 to cover the remaining 10 percent of operational costs.”


SCSEP sign up.

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Restart Program

The ReStart Program is designed to support individuals who have been involved in the justice system by helping them rebuild their lives through meaningful employment. Our primary objective is to provide comprehensive support tailored to each participant’s unique needs, ensuring they have the tools and resources to achieve long-term success.

Our process begins with a thorough assessment of each participant’s abilities, work history, and barriers to employment. Based on this evaluation, we collaborate to develop a personalized strategy that aligns with their specific goals and aspirations.

A key component of the ReStart Program is job placement and career support. Goodwill’s employment specialists work closely with participants to identify job opportunities that match their skills and career goals. We provide:

  • Job readiness coaching to improve interview skills, resume development, and professional communication.
  • Job application and interview assistance to help participants confidently pursue employment opportunities.
  • Ongoing post-employment support to ensure long-term success and job retention.

Additionally, we offer wraparound services to connect justice-involved participants with essential resources such as housing assistance, transportation, mental health support, substance abuse recovery programs, and other community-based services that address barriers to employment and personal stability. Through ReStart, we aim to break down employment barriers, promote self-sufficiency, and empower individuals to build brighter futures.

If you want to learn more about the ReStart Program, please get in touch with Ryan Williams at 1-419-625-4744, option 8 or send an email here.

Ancillary Skills

We offer various training programs for workplace skills, certification trainings, and tutoring to assist individuals in achieving employment goals.

These trainings include computer skills, customer service skills, retail sales skills, first aid and CPR training, forklift training, GED tutoring & driver’s permit tutoring programs are designed to assist individuals in their career pathways.

Vocational Habilitation

The Vocational Habilitation Program provides individuals with a structured, supportive work environment where they can develop independence and essential workplace skills. Through hands-on training and guided support, participants enhance their work, communication, decision-making, and self-advocacy skills, preparing them for greater independence and community employment opportunities.

Program Goals & Individualized Support

The ultimate goal of the Vocational Habilitation Program is to equip individuals with the skills and experience needed to secure and sustain competitive employment in the community. Each participant receives personalized support through a My Vision Plan (MVP) — formerly known as the Individual Service Plan (ISP). In collaboration with family members, Vocational Habilitation Staff and County Service and Support Administrators (SSAs), individuals develop an annual MVP Plan tailored to their personal and vocational goals. This Plan:

  • Outlines long-term outcomes for skill development and employment readiness.
  • Includes waiver-funded services to support their vocational growth.
  • Defines action steps to help participants achieve their goals while working in the program.
  • Allows for ongoing adjustments to ensure the plan remains aligned with the participant’s evolving needs and aspirations.

Individuals interested in this program must be referred by their county board of the Department of Developmental Disabilities. For Erie County, click here. For Ottawa County, click here.

Works4Me

Participants in the Vocational Habilitation Program have the option to enroll in the Works4Me Program, a specialized program designed to support individuals in exploring and preparing for competitive community employment. Works4Me offers:

  • Work skills-based learning to enhance job readiness
  • Career exploration opportunities to help individuals identify their interests and strengths
  • Job shadowing experiences that provide real-world exposure to various industries and workplaces
  • Potential pathways to community employment, helping participants transition into sustainable, fulfilling careers.

Through personalized training, real-world experience and career exploration, the Works4Me Program empowers individuals to gain confidence, strengthen their abilities, and move toward greater independence and success in the workforce.

 A funding agency must refer individuals interested in this service.