Employment Specialist

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job setting with other works who do not necessarily have disabilities
• Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
• Assists clients’ vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences. With client’s permission, provides education and support to family members. Discusses client’s preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interest and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
• Conduct a minimum of six employers contacts per week.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Writes job support plans with clients and incorporating input from the mental health team. Adjusts plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
• Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
• Provides outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the service.
• Provides timely interventions related to follow-up with clients and employers
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as requested.
• Participates in weekly meetings with mental health treatment team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate vocational services into mental health treatment.
• Participates in face-to-face meetings with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least once a month to coordinate service for clients.
• Develops an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporates input from mental health team and family members, with permission.
• Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community.
• Provides supported education, using principals similar to supported employment, for clients who express interest in education to advance employment goals.

Must perform the specific job duties as listed above to meet position expectations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and/or psychology

An expectation of core competencies in relation to individuals with co-occurring disorders

Ability to multi-task, communicate effectively, possess strong community outreach skills while working to build relationships and work collaboratively with co-workers, clients and community agencies and properties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or equivalent

One year of experience and participation in local or national consumer advocacy or knowledge in mental health recovery, preferred.

Current Certification as Peer Recovery Support Specialist or Certification as a Behavioral Health Case Manager I, preferred

Work experience with severe and persistent mental illnesses or with individuals with similar human-service needs.

Work experience providing employment services and knowledge of the work world preferred