Supported Employment Counselor

Description

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta (JF&CS) offers best-in-class, person-centered programs and resources to transform lives. Building on our 125-year history, we are here to help individuals and families of all faiths live to their full potential. Guided by Jewish values, we are a welcoming community, and our experienced professionals bring integrity and compassion to their work in the fields of aging and older adults, career counseling, dentistry, mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and need-based support services. We serve thousands of individuals annually regardless of age, race, religion, national origin or ability to pay.

Working At JF&CS

At JF&CS, we hold these values close to our heart: Commitment and integrity, compassion and respect, innovation and collaboration, professionalism, and responsiveness to diverse needs. Guided by Jewish values, and voted a Top Workplace for 2022 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, we are a welcoming community of professionals passionate about making a difference in the community. For testimonials from staff on what it’s like being part of the JF&CS family, you can visit our Careers page.

Benefits

• Up to 20 days paid time off per year
• Paid holidays
• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with employer matching
• Paid Parental Leave
  
  

JF&CS is now seeking a full-time Supported Employment Counselor.

Purpose

The Supported Employment Counselor provides specialized assistance to individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or other employment barriers,

offering full support during both the job search process and on the job. The counselor helps clients identify their strengths, interests, and goals, and matches them

with suitable job opportunities. Additionally, the counselor delivers ongoing workplace support, coaching, and guidance to promote long-term job retention and

success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Client Assessment conduct intake assessments to evaluate clients’ skills work history, interests, and barriers to employment. Develop individualized employment plans based on the assessment results.
• Job Search Assistance supports clients in searching for and applying for jobs, including resume writing, job applications, and preparing for interviews.
• Job Matching identify and connect clients with suitable job opportunities based on their abilities, interests, and goals. Establish relationships with employers and advocate for clients to secure placement.
• Job Coaching & Training provide on-site coaching and training to clients in their new positions. Assist with such as time management, communication skills, and workplace behavior to ensure a smooth transition.
• Workplace Integration helps clients adjust to their work environment, offering ongoing support to both the employee and employer. Ensure reasonable accommodation is provided when needed.
• Ongoing Support & Monitoring follow up regularly with clients and employers to monitor progress, address challenges, and provide support to ensure job success. Offer strategies to resolve workplace issues.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date case notes records of clients’ progress, service provided, and employment outcomes.
• Collaboration works closely with other professionals such as staff from JFCS, employers, families, and people in the community.
• Advocacy advocates for clients within the workplace to promote inclusion and fair treatment. Educate employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and assist in fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Conduct weekly job site visits to ensure that clients are receiving adequate support and successfully transitioning into their work environments.
• Meet with clients regularly to discuss their job performance, address any areas of concern, and implement strategies for improvement.
• Address client and employer concerns by identifying issues, implementing effective solutions, and following up to ensure resolution.
• Attend Individualized Service Plan (ISP) meetings to provide updates on client progress, challenges, and areas of need.
• Develop and implement job development and job search activities tailored to the individual strengths, interests, and goals of each client in the caseload.
• Manage a minimum caseload of 20 clients, ensuring personalized and effective support for each client.
• Support clients in making employer connections by assisting with job applications and facilitating opportunities to learn about available positions in the community within 30 days of program entry.
• Provide individualized follow-up support to help clients maintain long-term employment, including addressing challenges or changes in job requirements.
• Offer in-person support during the first month of a new job to ensure a successful transition, with continued weekly check-ins after the client stabilizes in their role.
• Provide education and ongoing support to employers, as needed, including negotiating reasonable job accommodation and maintaining regular follow-up communication with both the employer and the client.
• Actively participate in weekly and monthly team meetings, including ISP meetings, to provide progress updates and contribute to the collaborative care of clients.
• Spend a minimum of 80% of work hours in the community, building relationships with employers and managers, and engaging with clients in community-based settings to promote job opportunities and retention.
• Dedicate at least 20% of work hours to office-based activities such as job searching, resume development, and preparation for client interviews.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients to identify their strengths and interests, which can contribute to successful job placements and long-term employment success.
• Ensure that all client case notes is submitted accurately and electronically via Therap within 24 hours of service delivery.
• Complete and submit a monthly mileage log by the last day of each month to ensure accurate reimbursement and record-keeping.
• Attend weekly internal Supported Employment staff meetings and monthly JFCS all -staff meetings to ensure alignment and communication across teams.
• Participate in all relevant Supported Employment training courses, such as ACRE, CBTAC, Relias, and other professional development opportunities, to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Proactive advocate with extensive experience working with diverse client populations, promoting cultural competency, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring equitable access to resources and services to empower individuals and achieve positive outcomes.
  
  

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prior experience working with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of labor market trends in a range of occupational fields (professional, skilled, semi-skilled, and industrial)
• Knowledge of job readiness skills and job development strategies.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Computer Skills; Therap, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access Data entry.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent customer service skills
• A high level of professionalism and the ability to work independently is a requirement in this position.
• Employees are required to possess and carry the company-issued cell phone
• Must be able to use the English language and communicate clearly.
• Must be able to manage time effectively, to work alone and as a team member.
• Must have a Georgia State Driver’s License, Georgia registration, and a reliable vehicle, privately insured vehicle.
• Must possess and maintain the ability to receive and respond to all business-related text messaging.
• Must be able to drive to various locations to visit Job Sites.
  
  

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, run, listen, smell, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and far vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  
  

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires 80% travel to varies location
• This position requires a combination of office-based work, on site visits to employers.
• Work in various weather conditions.
  
  

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Education, or related field (master’s preferred) required.
• Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) is Required.
• Experience with developmental disabilities required.