Client Employment Specialist

OVERVIEW

Develops employment opportunities in the community and provides direct care in a "clubhouse" setting for individuals with persistent and serious mental illness. Position provides work readiness support, linking to employers and training / educational programs. Work is performed under general supervision and is guided by agency policies and procedures, quality assurance, public and private payor guidelines and professional practices and including ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal licensure and accreditation regulations and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates group and individual job readiness and employment skills activities.
• Develops community partnerships with businesses to create employment and volunteers community placement opportunities.
• Links individuals to employment training and educational programs.
• Supports individuals with employment retention.
• Manages a case load of individuals and maintains all required documentation.
• Provides direct support for program individuals with regard to psychosocial / vocational skills development.
• Develops and implements employment related goals treatment plans and coordinates care with other treatment and service providers.
• Collaborates with Department of Rehabilitation Services and other employment service based agencies.
• Assists individuals with referrals, eligibility procedures for additional services (independent living & benefits planning assistance).
• Documents and prepares records and reports relating to individual psychosocial and vocational assessment, development and behavior, training, incidents, etc.
• Oversees volunteer, supported employment and competitive job placements with area employers.
• Provides conflict resolution and crisis intervention services.
• Maintains inventories of vocational training supplies and materials.
• Transports members and provides support on community outings
• Advocates on behalf of members employment.
• Provides outreach services to regional hospitals.
• Does related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the theories and practices of a "clubhouse" model rehabilitative vocational training program; thorough knowledge of entitlement programs and work incentive practices; considerable knowledge of case management, including need assessment and supportive level counseling; considerable knowledge of crisis prevention and intervention skills applicable to individuals with severe mental illness; ability to collect, compile and evaluate electronically sourced or other sourced statistical and financial data and prepare complex recommendations, proposals, reports, etc.; ability to effectively instruct program individuals; ability to relate well to people with mental and emotional problems; ability to maintain an effective working relationship with employers and representatives of private and public agencies; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to operate a vehicle.

TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in human services field. Must be Qualified Mental Health Professional registered with the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Must have at least 2 years of experience in clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation and / or employment support services.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Valid VA driver's license. First Aid and CPR certification. Training in Therapeutic Options (THEROPS). Certified Rehabilitation Counselor preferred.

OTHER

Must possess all qualifications and skills required by federal and state regulations to bill Medicaid for the services provided.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXPOSURE

Work involves considerable exposure to disagreeable environmental conditions such as the requirements to : interact with clients having unsanitary behaviors, poor hygiene and contagious illness and / or are potentially hostile, aggressive or violent in unsafe and / or unsanitary residences or other locations; drive a vehicle, and / or transport clients in inclement, if not severe weather; occasionally physically assisting and / or lifting clients in the course of care and lifting moderate weight objects in connection with the operation of the facility.

RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships require excellent communication and interpersonal skills to represent the program within the department and to businesses, community and state partners, organizations and agencies or other stakeholders concerning program initiatives and services and the ability to use appropriate techniques to counsel and manage the behaviors of program participants.

RACSB maintains a drug-free workplace environment. All candidates who receive conditional offers of employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check, including criminal history, driving record, and verification of credentials. Additionally, employees are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment. Our comprehensive screening program reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy workplace and providing high-quality services to our community.