Employment Specialist

LOCATION

Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858

SCHEDULE

This is a full time, hybrid position, 40 hours per week. Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm is the typical schedule, however there is flexibility. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $45,656 - $62,109 depending on experience

• Student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• NHSC & MDHHS Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) approved facility for student loan repayment programs
• Health benefits through BCBS with employer contributions to the HSA
• 12 weeks of 100% paid maternity and paternity leave
• Employer funded short- and long-term disability
• Comprehensive dental and vision benefits
• 100% employer funded Defined Benefit (pension) program with vesting after 6 years
• 30 paid leave days (16 annual/12 sick/2 floating) during first year of employment, this increases with years of service
• Performance-based compensation plan with annual increases
• Professional development opportunities
• Free CEU training opportunities
• 12 paid holidays

SUMMARY

General Description:  Carries out the services of the Individual Placement and Support Supported Employment program by assisting consumers in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their vocational goals and recovery.  Builds relationships with employers and the community.

Responsibilities and Duties:  Follows the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) - Evidence Based Practice Supported Employment Model emphasizing rapid job search, jobs tailored to individuals, time-unlimited follow-along supports, integration of supported employment and mental health services, and zero exclusion policy.  Engages consumers and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated job settings.  Assists consumers in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with needs and interests of the consumer following the principles and procedures of IPS - supported employment.  Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by the consumers.  Provides individualized follow along and outreach services to consumers as needed to sustain employment.  Meets regularly with the treatment team members to coordinate and integrate vocational services into mental health treatment.  Develops individual vocational profile/service plan with the consumer, case manager, and other treatment team providers.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

College: Bachelor's Degree required
Major: Social Work or similar mental health specialty, Human Resources, Business, Marketing or Vocational Services.

Job-Related Experience: Sufficient experience to perform the position at a satisfactory level and ability to work as an effective team player required. Experience with people with severe mental illness, experience with vocational services, and knowledge of local businesses and resources preferred. 

Licenses/Certification: Valid driver's license while operating vehicle on agency business.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Knowledge: General knowledge of job development, job marketing and job securing; working knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs; knowledge of the general characteristics and social aspects of long term mental illness, including treatment and medication and the impact of illness on vocational functioning.  Knowledge of legal systems, community agencies, and health, mental health, and social welfare programs.   

Skills: Computer and telephone skills. 

Abilities: Ability to establish and maintain rapport with each recipient; determine consumer's interests, strengths, skills, abilities and unique set of challenges and match them with jobs.  Ability to relate positively with employers in the community and to identify and arrange long term supports to help consumers keep jobs.  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to adapt communication according to recipient's functioning level.  Ability to establish positive and effective relationships with colleagues and members of other community agencies/programs.  Ability to advocate effectively for consumers with other team members and employers.  Ability to work independently; meet deadlines; demonstrate assertiveness and initiative; and show coordination, time management, organization, prioritization, mediation, recipient advocacy, and record-keeping skills.  Ability to work as a team member and work well in stressful situations.

Physical Demands: Work is generally sedentary.  Frequent travel is required.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a typical office setting, residential homes, and other community settings and requires working effectively with a variety of people in sometimes difficult circumstances.