Vocational/ Education Specialist 1st Shift Full-time Monday-Friday

Why CMHA?

Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) is a private non-profit treatment provider headquartered in New Britain, with seven locations throughout the city and in Waterbury. We partner with clients and the community to promote recovery from mental illness and substance use, treating more than 7,500 adults and children each year. CMHA is Connecticut’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and is a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Visit cmhacc.org to learn more.

Internal mobility and career pathing is a focus at CMHA with many employees growing from individual contributors to leaders.

CMHA is looking to hire a full-time, 40 hours per week Employment Specialist. This position will be located in New Britain, CT 06051. (Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm).

Compensation: $20.00 minimum to $29.00 maximum per hour.

Starting salary will be determined based on relevant years of experience.

Position Summary: The Employment Specialist primary responsibility is to collaborate with an assigned caseload of clients with prolonged mental and/or co-occurring illnesses to develop psychiatric rehabilitation goals that assist them to live, work, and be independent in the community. The Employment Specialist acts as a liaison and broker, advocating with employers and other employment services to meet the full range of client employment needs. The role also ensures timely documentation is maintained in accordance with CMHA policies and procedures and helps clients secure desired employment that supports their individual recovery plans.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with clients to develop psychiatric rehabilitation goals that promote their independence and successful employment.
• Acts as a liaison and broker with employers and employment services to facilitate job opportunities for clients.
• Assists clients in preparing for the workplace and securing employment that supports their recovery.
• Ensures timely and accurate documentation of all client activity, including progress notes, treatment plans, authorizations, program orientation, consent to treat, activity logs, and monthly targeted case management notes.
• Executes a minimum of six potential employer contacts per week.
• Maintains client records in compliance with CMHA policies and procedures.
• Assists clients in preparing themselves for the workplace and supports their job search process.
  
  

Requirements

• Certified in PMT training, First Aid, and CPR
• Valid DMV License
• High School Diploma
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Employment Specialist
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. Degree in a mental health-related field
• Bilingual in Spanish
  
  

Benefits

We care about our employees by offering benefits that strike a harmonious work-life balance. We also care about your future. CMHA offers:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance packages
• 403(b)-retirement savings plan with CMHA matching starting after 1 year of service
• 11 observed holidays
• 3 Wellbeing days off on a Friday throughout the year to extend a long weekend
• 2 CHMA/Personal days to use throughout the calendar year
• Up to 24 days of PTO that increases with years of service
• Paid agency closure between Christmas and New Year’s (except 24/7 programs) *must be approved annually
• Company paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers counseling, coaching, and wellness resources for staff as well as members of their household
• Higher education tuition discounts at participating schools through the Alliance’s academic partnerships
• Free ongoing professional development opportunities and continuous access to Continuing Education Units (CEUs), featuring comprehensive training in Evidence-Based Practices, such as EMDR, DBT, and CBT.
• Employee discounts for shopping, the New Britain YMCA, travel, and entertainment
• Free employee subscriptions to the calm app
• Annual Company Picnic
• CMHA-sponsored Loan Reimbursement Program and Scholarship Program
  
  

Free Student Loan Wellness for eligible employees and their family members access to:

• Student loan consolidation and refinancing
• Loan payoff projection dashboard
• Coaching and support via chat, email, and phone
• College cost calculator
• College financial planning
• 3 NHSC-approved sites for federal student loan repayment
  
  

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Enhancement for eligible employees' access to:

• Automated Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) form management for past and present employers
• Automated reminders for annual (PSLF) recertifications to help you stay on track
• Resources and ongoing communications that make PSLF understandable
• The opportunity to receive the national average of $72,000.00 in forgiveness
  
  

Community Mental Health Affiliates is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer except in the case of a bon fide occupation qualification or as otherwise permitted or required by law, does not discriminate of the basis of race, color, age, disability, sec, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical condition including by not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familiar status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

Any individual needing assistance in completing an online application should contact CMHA's Human Resources Department at Careers@cmhacc.org .