Employment Specialist 29 Sterling

JOB TITLE: Employment Specialist FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PROGRAM: Employment Services HOURS PER WEEK: 35

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Program Director

SUMMARY of DUTIES:

GMH’s Employment Services provides comprehensive vocational and employment support for individuals with behavioral health conditions and other disabilities to identify, obtain and maintain employment of their choosing. The department utilizes the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to deliver 1-on-1 support to those in our placement services, connecting them with jobs that match their interests, abilities, and personal goals. In addition, we offer a range of evaluation and assessment services to help participants make informed, confident decisions regarding their vocational goals.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for the provision of direct and indirect services to individuals with behavioral health conditions and other disabilities throughout stages of pre-vocational counseling, active job search and job maintenance. Responsible for engaging participants and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings. The Specialist will support vocational success by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaboration. When possible, he/she will utilize evidence-based practices; always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Pres-vocational Services: These are time-limited services that prepare an individual for paid or unpaid employment. This service specifically provides learning and work experiences where an individual can develop general, non-job-task-specific strengths and soft skills that that contribute to employability in competitive work environment as well as in the integrated community settings.
• Placement Services: These services assist individuals in locating and securing open positions which match their employment factors; they may include resume development, interview coaching and introduction to various job search methods. support needs to obtain and keep competitive employment.
• Job Coaching: The Employment Specialist offers consistent job coaching on- or off-site depending on the individual’s preference. This may include assistance in requesting reasonable accommodations, active communication with an employer or other activities which promote job retention.
• Employment Services is designated as a mobile program; Employment Specialists are expected to meet assigned individuals in agency, community, and employment settings as needed. Hybrid service provision is also currently being employed; weekly schedule may include evenings and weekends, when required to meet participants’ needs.
• Completion of job-specific trainings within 24 months of hire

• Administrative functions include maintenance of electronic records, service-specific reporting requirements and other related duties as requested.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrated ability to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individuals in goal-directed vocational activities.
• Prior knowledge and/or use of Trauma-Informed, Person-Centered Practice and Motivational Interviewing.
• Knowledge of the common challenges associated with mental health or other disabling conditions.
• Varied and/or substantial work history, in-depth understanding of employer and employee expectations
• Ability to master an electronic record system, meet deadlines and willingness to grow and change are critical.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The Employment Specialist must have a high school diploma or equivalent; plus a minimum of two years of experience in providing employment-related services to persons who have disabling conditions.
• Within 24 months after hire, the Employment Specialist must complete required job- specific training courses.
• Basic Computer knowledge is required.
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• The Employment Specialist must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• If driving agency vehicles, the Employment Specialist must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
• The Employment Specialist must be cleared by the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
• The Employment Specialist must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
• The Employment Specialist must be legally eligible to work in the United States.