Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT).

Program / Department Description :

Howie the Harp Advocacy Center programs are rooted in the value of Peer expertise in recovery and self-determination, and the Center is run by professionals who have lived experience with mental health concerns and identify as Peers. Through the Peer Training Program, Assisted Competitive Employment Program (ACE), and other initiatives, the Center provides a wide range of services including training, internship experience, job placement assistance and support, and continuing education services. The ACE program provides Supported Employment services, utilizing the evidence-based model, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for people in mental health recovery. Employment search and support is solely based on the goals and preferences of participants. We work in collaboration with the participants’ recovery team and other supports to help ensure success. This service is free of charge. The length of stay in the program is a maximum of 24 months from the date of enrollment for each individual program participant.

Overview

The Employment Specialist provides person-centered employment support including job preparation and search, job development, placement, and job retention coaching to ACE participants. Through a customized array of services delivered both on site and in the field the Employment Specialist develops connections to community employers and provides support and skill development toward success and satisfaction in the participant’s chosen field of employment.

Job Qualifications / Requirements

• A commitment to upholding the philosophy, mission, and values of Community Access and Howie The Harp Advocacy Center, required
• The ability to create and foster empathic, professional and respectful relationships between yourself and other people, required
• Strong computer, organizational, and documentation skills, required
• At least two years of experience working in mental health services, preferably employment or rehabilitation setting, required
• Personal lived experience with mental health concerns. Possess and maintain a NYS OMH Peer Specialist certification or be willing to obtain one within six months of employment, preferred
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, required (bachelor’s degree preferred)
• A commitment to upholding the philosophy, mission, and values of Community Access and Howie The Harp Advocacy Center, required
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the Office of Mental Health (OMH), required
• Howie The Harp Peer Training Program graduate, preferred
• Training / group facilitation experience, preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of benefits, entitlements, or work incentives, preferred

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org / jobs.

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M / F / D / V.

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly

encouraged to apply.

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as having a personal

experience using mental health services. www.communityaccess.org