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Goodwill Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

DM Goodwill

Employment Specialist

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Employment Specialist to develop and coach program participants with our values of love, kindness, and respect. GCI has been transforming lives through the ...

DM Goodwill

Employment Specialist

Waukee, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Employment Specialist to develop and coach program participants with our values of love, kindness, and respect. GCI has been transforming lives through the ...

DM Goodwill

Store Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$43K - $53K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Retail Store Manager to successfully lead donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours & Schedules: * Full-Time (40 ...

DM Goodwill

Job Coach | Part-Time

Johnston, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.30/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a part-time Job Coach to train, teach, or coach others by providing support and serving our community with our values of love, kindness, and respect. GCI has ...

DM Goodwill

Assistant Store Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Retail Assistant Store Manager to manage donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours & Schedules: * Full-Time (40 ...

DM Goodwill

Assistant Store Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Retail Assistant Store Manager to manage donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours & Schedules: * Full-Time (40 ...

DM Goodwill

Assistant Store Manager

Johnston, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Retail Assistant Store Manager to manage donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours & Schedules: * Full-Time (40 ...

DM Goodwill

Full-Time Store Clerk (Outlet)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Full-Time Store Clerk to accept, sort, and merchandise donated goods, cashier, and deliver outstanding customer service with our values of love, kindness ...

DM Goodwill

Part-Time Retail Store Associate

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$14.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Good values Good mission Goodwill of Central Iowa Perks: * A competitive starting wage of $14.50/hour * Weekend Shift Premium of an additional $1.00/hour on Saturday and Sunday shifts! * Our ...

DM Goodwill

Dock Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for Warehouse Dock Assistants to assist with donated goods processing and safe operation of equipment with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours ...

New

DM Goodwill

Full-Time Retail Shift Leader

Waukee, IA · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Full-Time Shift Leader to assist with operations management and training donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours ...

DM Goodwill

Full-Time Retail Shift Leader

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Full-Time Shift Leader to assist with operations management and training donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGoodwill JobsGoodwill Jobs in Waukee, IA

Goodwill information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$41.7K

$82.6K

$118K

How much do goodwill jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for goodwill in Waukee, IA is $82,588.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,300.00 and $99,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Goodwill Retail Associate, you need basic retail knowledge, strong organizational skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and basic cash handling is important. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and adaptability help associates stand out in a dynamic retail environment. These skills ensure efficient store operations, positive customer experiences, and successful achievement of Goodwill’s mission.

What does a Goodwill employee do?

Goodwill employees work for Goodwill Industries, a nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people facing challenges to finding employment. Employees may work in retail stores, donation centers, warehouses, or administrative offices. Their roles can include sorting donations, assisting customers, running cash registers, managing inventory, or supporting job training programs. Goodwill aims to create employment opportunities and strengthen communities through the power of work.

What are typical career advancement opportunities for employees working at Goodwill stores?

Employees at Goodwill stores often have clear paths for career growth, starting with entry-level retail positions and progressing to supervisory or management roles. Goodwill is known for promoting from within and offers training programs to help employees develop leadership and operational skills. Many team members advance to roles such as shift leader, assistant manager, and store manager, while others may transition into specialized positions in logistics, human resources, or vocational training. The organization values dedication and a strong work ethic, making it a supportive environment for professional development.

What is the difference between Goodwill vs Retail Associate?

AspectGoodwillRetail Associate
Primary RoleNonprofit thrift store operator, focusing on donations and community servicesSales and customer service in retail stores
Required SkillsCustomer service, donation processing, basic merchandisingCustomer service, sales, inventory management
Work EnvironmentThrift stores, donation centers, community programsRetail stores, shopping floors
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

Goodwill and Retail Associate roles both involve customer service and retail work, but Goodwill operates as a nonprofit organization focusing on donations and community programs, while Retail Associates work in for-profit retail stores primarily handling sales and merchandising.

What are popular job titles related to Goodwill jobs in Waukee, IA? For Goodwill jobs in Waukee, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Goodwill jobs in Waukee, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Goodwill jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Goodwill jobs? Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Goodwill job openings:
Goodwill jobs near you
Infographic showing various Goodwill job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,588 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Employment Specialist

DM Goodwill

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Employment Specialist to develop and coach program participants with our values of love, kindness, and respect.
GCI has been transforming lives through the power of work since 1955! Goodwill of Central Iowa is a rapidly evolving organization and yet we have never been more focused- on our mission, on our people, and on our future. It's always a GOOD day at Goodwill!
Good values
Good mission
Goodwill of Central Iowa
Perks:
  • A competitive industry hourly pay rate - $17.50 - $21.00 dependent upon relevant years of experience.
  • An active, non-stationary work environment, working in the community to support program participants
  • Career development opportunities
  • PTO increases after 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years!
  • Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement plan, and PTO - click here to learn more!
  • A 15% discount at our retail stores!

Employment Specialists provide vocational services to program participants. This will include the development, implementation and administration of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to establish and monitor job goals. This position will provide training, development, and support for participants in all areas of work skills, job search, job acquisition, and job maintenance. Employment Specialists will work in the North Polk county and Ames community with various employers to establish partnerships and job placements. Maintain records and case file documentation per funder requirements; develop and implement alternative rehabilitation methods and strategies consistent with program goals and objectives.
What you'll do:
  • Initiate and implement vocational plans and goals with program participants.
  • Conduct training on all aspects of career or job exploration, employment readiness, resume writing, application completion, job search, interviewing skills, and maintaining employment.
  • Implement and conduct job development and placement through contact with prospective employers.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with employers in the community to increase employer partnership.
  • Provide on-going support to participants once employment is obtained to ensure participant success in their job, including on-site support and 1-1 coaching sessions.
  • Facilitate training and coaching to encourage productivity on the job, model and teach appropriate and positive work behaviors, and gain functional skills achievement.
  • Complete quarterly reviews on each program participant's Individual Service Plan goals.
  • Communicate regularly with participants and their support teams.
  • Provide on-site job coaching and support to participants that are placed in jobs in the community.
  • Create and submit documentation within established deadlines for employment services provided in alignment with program and/or funder guidelines.
  • Manage a caseload of program participants as determined by a supervisor. Maintain confidentiality and abide by HIPAA requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What you'll need:
  • Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience, preferably in human services, sociology, psychology, education, human resources, marketing, sales or business.
  • One year of related experience required. Experience coaching/teaching others; experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
  • Must be able to travel consistently within Goodwill of Central Iowa territory to support program participants.
  • Ability to pass Nationally Recognized Employment Support Professional Certification - ASPE's Certified Employment Support Professionals (CESP) Exam within one year of employment.
  • Ongoing continuing education of 4 hours yearly in Employment Services - has 24 months from the date of hire to meet the educational requirements.
  • Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats; ability to perform basic math.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
  • Access to reliable transportation for regular participation in work.
  • Possession of valid Iowa Driver's License, a good driving record, insurable, and able to provide proof of personal vehicle insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident auto insurance liability coverage.
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check and dependent adult and child abuse background check.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to remain seated periodically.
  • Ability to remain active for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to regularly carry, lift, push, or pull up to 20 lbs regularly.
  • Ability to tolerate variations in work environment temperature.

Working Conditions:
  • Variable work environments based on workload and participant needs on various job sites within the community.

Goodwill of Central Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability) and E-Verify Participant.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
If you are ready to work for an organization that brings out the best in people, apply today!
CITYVIEW "Best Local Thrift Shop" 2019, 2020, & 2023 Winner!
Des Moines' People's Choice 2024 Best Thrift Store!

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