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Goodwill Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$35K - $44K/yr

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 ...

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Program Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Job Coach

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Collaborate with referring partners and Goodwill programs for service recipients, attending client meetings and providing information and feedback on employment opportunities. Required Qualifications:

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Goodwill Program information

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$25K

$52.4K

$90.5K

How much do goodwill program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for goodwill program in the United States is $52,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does Goodwill pay for training?

Goodwill programs often offer paid on-the-job training for new employees, helping them develop skills while earning wages. The availability and extent of training pay can vary by location and specific program, so it is best to check with the local Goodwill branch for detailed information.

What is the difference between Goodwill Program vs Retail Associate?

AspectGoodwill ProgramRetail Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service skills
Work EnvironmentNonprofit thrift stores, community centersRetail stores, shopping environments
Employer & IndustryGoodwill Industries, nonprofit sectorPrivate retail companies, retail industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Goodwill Program typically involves working within nonprofit thrift stores focusing on community service and job training, whereas Retail Associates work in commercial retail stores handling sales and customer service. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employer type and work environment.

What is a Goodwill Program?

A Goodwill Program typically refers to initiatives run by organizations like Goodwill Industries that aim to provide job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people facing barriers to employment. These programs help individuals gain new skills, find jobs, and achieve greater independence. Goodwill Programs often support veterans, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and others in need. By donating or shopping at Goodwill, community members help fund these valuable services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Goodwill Program Manager, and why are they important?

To excel as a Goodwill Program Manager, you need experience in program development, nonprofit administration, and a background in social services or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with case management systems, grant writing tools, and data tracking software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and cultural sensitivity help in building relationships with diverse clients and stakeholders. These competencies are vital for effectively managing programs, achieving organizational goals, and making a positive impact on the community.

What are some common challenges faced by team members working in a Goodwill Program, and how can they be addressed?

Team members in Goodwill Programs often encounter challenges such as supporting clients with diverse needs, balancing administrative tasks with direct service, and adapting to resource limitations. Working closely with individuals who may be facing barriers to employment or personal hardships requires empathy, patience, and strong communication skills. Addressing these challenges often involves ongoing training, peer support, and regular team meetings to share best practices and strategies. Collaborating with community partners and leveraging available resources can also help team members provide the best possible support to program participants.

What is Goodwill starting pay?

The starting pay for Goodwill entry-level positions typically ranges from minimum wage to around $10 to $12 per hour, depending on location and role. Pay rates may increase with experience, skills, and additional responsibilities, and some positions may offer benefits or flexible schedules.

Does Goodwill pay you for working there?

Yes, Goodwill programs typically pay employees for their work, including paid training and wages consistent with local labor laws. Compensation varies by location and position, and some roles may be volunteer-based without pay. It is advisable to check specific job listings or local Goodwill locations for detailed pay information.

What is the highest paying job at Goodwill?

The highest paying job at Goodwill is typically a store manager or regional director, roles that require leadership skills, experience, and sometimes certifications. These positions often offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level roles and involve overseeing operations, staff, and sales performance.
More about Goodwill Program jobs
What states have the most Goodwill Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Goodwill Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Goodwill Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Goodwill Program jobs are:
Infographic showing various Goodwill Program job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,360 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Employment Specialist

$18.02/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Goodwill Northern New England rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

437th of 706 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Job Purpose: The purpose of this position is to provide and coordinate vocational services to individuals with disabilities, disadvantaged conditions, and/or barriers to employment, which will assist them in obtaining and succeeding in competitive community employment.
This position answers to multiple stakeholders: the participants, funding sources, employers and other community representatives, and Goodwill.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field.
Experience: One-year experience providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities required. Prefer experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental, traumatic brain injury, and mental health disabilities
Computer proficiency: Basic computer literacy including Word, Access, and Excel
Clearances: Must be able to obtain acceptable results for required background checks, including Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal History Check and Department of Human Services- FBI Fingerprints.
Exclusion Report: Employee will be screened on an ongoing monthly basis to determine if he/she has been excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs. If exclusions from participation in federal healthcare programs occur, the employee will be precluded from employment in any federally funded healthcare program operated by Goodwill.
Other: An employment specialist must have a valid driver's license, with a clean driving record and dependable transportation, which can be used in the course of his/her job.
Ability to Telework: An employment specialist is eligible for up to one day per week telework, pending participant work schedules, work performance, and agency needs at the supervisor's discretion.
Supervision Received:
The Employment Specialist functions under the direct supervision of the program manager with latitude for independent action within his/her own areas of responsibility in accordance with agency policy.
Supervision Exercised:
The employment specialist does not exercise supervision over any employees. He/she exercises supervision over Goodwill's program participants who are assigned to him/her, training them to meet the normal requirements of competitive community employment, directing them in the performance of job duties, and appropriate work habits. Employment Specialists may provide guidance to job coaches - regarding supporting participants at their work sites. Each participant's assigned employment specialist has ultimate responsibility for that individual and must handle any major disciplinary action required.
Skills, Abilities, and Duties:
  1. Knowledge of current best practices in the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services and acceptance of Goodwill's Philosophy Concerning People Served.
  2. Sound professional judgment, adequate to formulating realistic program plans, and counseling participants regarding work-related issues.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, using English.
  4. Ability to relate effectively to others, including co-workers, agency participants, supervisors and community contacts.
  5. Ability to work in the community and make contacts with business professionals.
  6. Thorough knowledge and acceptance of principles of customer service.
  7. Ability to obtain the Certified Employment Support Professional Credential within one year of hire.
  8. Valid Pennsylvania driver's license, with a clean driving record. Access to dependable transportation, which can be used in the course of his/her job.
  9. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening hours and weekends.
  10. Extremely dependable in attendance and punctuality.
  11. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of applications and general office and organizational skills.
  12. Attend all required trainings.
  13. Report to supervisor immediately if excluded from participating in any federal healthcare program Promote and adhere to the elements of the compliance program, operating within the laws, rules, and regulations required. (Report any non-compliance issues to your supervisor or Corporate Compliance Officer.
  14. Establish a plan of services with each participant, which will assist the participant in achieving his/her employment goals - completed within 60 days of participant orientation. Coordinate services with other staff, funding sources, and others who have a significant role in the individual's life.
  15. Develop and implement activities in accordance with needs and service plan.
  16. Conduct orientation/intake activities.
  17. Provide outreach services as necessary to participants when they miss appointments utilizing a variety of methods to discover what is interfering with the participant's employment plan.
  18. Provide an established (by supervisor) minimum hours of hours per week of face-to-face job development, searching, placement, and retention activities.
  19. Conduct the required number and required duration of face to face contacts with active participants as per individual plan or as assigned.
  20. Place an assigned number of participants in integrated work-settings, unsubsidized, part-time or full-time competitive employment. Placement performance goals are established and evaluated annually.
  21. Ensure employer contacts (for job seekers) are made within one (1) month of participant orientation and are based on consumer job choices, preferences, and strengths.
  22. Assist in instructing participants in acceptable work behaviors, along with providing proper training for participants in work experience positions, holding them accountable and responsible for acceptable behavior as an employee.
  23. Provide required documentation to appropriate staff, agency, and funding sources for all services and activities. Ensure area of responsibility complies with regulations and requirements.
  24. Compile and maintain participant files, in accordance to compliance regulations.
  25. Transport participants when needed in a company pool vehicle.
  26. Apply Core Values and Principles of Supported Employment to service provision.
  27. Assist participants in job matching, identifying and analyzing jobs. Conduct situational work assessments, job shadowing experiences and business tours.
  28. Support participants in work experience and employment positions, providing initial support, job coaching and long-term follow-up as necessary.
  29. Maintain updated information on businesses' types of jobs available and locations of jobs within the community.
  30. Contact and communicate with employers to assist with job development activities.
  31. Maintain contact with newly employed participants and the employer, assuring successful adjustment to the new employment.

    1. Maintain records of all employment contacts
    2. Present available incentives to prospective employers
    3. Assist the employer in identifying and making any reasonable accommodations for the workplace

  32. Provide supervision and hands-on training for participants at their work site - preparing a site and task analysis for the job and providing systematic task/behavior instructions, while job coaching.
  33. Promote the use of universal design principles.
  34. Participate in supervision meetings as scheduled.
  35. Responsible for other duties as assigned or identified, for the benefit of participants or the agency in general. Some of these other duties may be considered non-essential to the position.

NOTE: All skills, abilities and other qualifications listed above are considered essential to this position, with or without reasonable accommodation, unless otherwise indicated.
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.

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