MHSS Employment Specialist (Chester House)

Who We Are:
Chester House provides day programming, employment services (Individual Placement and Supports model), and transportation services for persons they serve. We are currently seeking an Employment Specialist to provide supported employment services to help individuals diagnosed with a mental illness to obtain employment. If this is your passion, then come join our team!
 
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, marketing, or a related human services field; one year of experience in working with individuals with disabilities such as mental illness or developmental disabilities; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. One year experience working with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) preferred; one year providing supported employment preferred; Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adult (QMHP-A) Certification is preferred.
 
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of supported employment; of systemic training techniques. Ability to supervise consumers in work settings; to assist consumers with physically demanding work including, but not limited to, heavy lifting, walking up and down stairs, standing for prolonged periods, squatting, stooping, bending, twisting, stretching, crawling, reaching overhead, and working in awkward positions without choice or variety; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers. Computer proficiency skills including Microsoft Office preferred; skill in data collection preferred. Ability to work with a diverse population preferred; ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team preferred; ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks independently preferred.
 
Additional Requirements:
Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.

Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check, and education/degree verification required.

This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.
 

Duties include but are not limited to the following:
 
 • Utilizes the evidenced based practice of Individual Placement and Support Model to provide employment services to individuals diagnosed with a severe mental illness;
 
 • Networks and establishes relationships with community employers;
 
 • Engages with individuals diagnosed with a severe mental illness to assess their strengths, skills, and abilities for the purpose of overcoming barriers and challenges to obtaining employment;
 
 • Assists consumers in developing individual service plans to include employment goals and objectives;
 
 • Assesses client readiness, skills, abilities, and interests;
 
 • Assists newly hired individuals with learning and performing job tasks to maintain employment;
 
 • Assists consumers in performing job duties as needed;
 
 • Transports individuals to employment sites and related designated locations;
 
 • Reviews, maintains and prepares a variety of consumer records and reports (e.g. behavior, consumer progress, consumer payroll, billing); and
 
 • Performs other work as required.

PLEASE NOTE: Position open until filled (first review to begin April 7, 2025).

Salary : $52,521 - $61,712