Employment Specialist

Job Description:

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Location: Wentzville, MO

Department: Supportive living and Employment Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

The incumbent of this position is responsible for developing and implementing all phases of clients’ vocational services. They provide individualized career planning, job placement, and retention support. They are responsible for marketing clients and services, developing career opportunities, creating employer relationships, supporting clients at their job site, and facilitating long-term vocational success. Employment Specialists are experts regarding their local labor market, analyzing trends, and partnering with employers to meet recruitment needs.

Position Perks & Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and more.
• Generous Paid Time Off: [Insert number] days annually, including vacation and holiday pay.
• Training & Development: Ongoing training and development to enhance professional growth.
• Supportive Work Environment: A collaborative culture that values staff well-being.
• Employee Recognition: Acknowledgment of your contributions and impact on families and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect.
• Adhere to all confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards during the provision of services.
• Maintain flexibility in work availability including evenings, overnights, and weekends as necessary.
• Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information, and utilize this information to assist clients with individualized career planning, job development, and retention services.
• Schedule and participate in team/planning meetings that discuss individual clients and their employment goals with shared decision-making.
• Conduct orientation for clients to explain services and discuss their rights, responsibilities, and disclosure.
• Assist clients with individualized career planning through interviews, community-based activities, and vocational counseling to determine strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences in relation to their personal and employment goals.
• Assist clients with individualized benefits planning at the onset of services, before starting a new job, and when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
• Teach and reinforce job seeking and job retention skills with clients.
• Create employer relationships and provide employer services designed to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Serve as an advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, and other stakeholders (family, schools, other social service agencies, etc.).
• Educate employers regarding the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations (e.g., assistive technology adaptations, job carving, etc.).
• Promote the system, services, and clients in a professional manner with employers and through participation in community events and awareness activities, including making presentations or public speaking.
• Maintain frequent contact with referral sources for the purpose of discussing shared clients and identifying potential referrals.
• Report job development outcomes and other relevant information to supervisor on a regular basis (e.g., referrals, placements, retention, areas of concern, etc.).
• Respond to crises that may occur with clients at their worksite.
• Travel extensively to conduct job development and supports, including transporting clients.
• May be required to provide on-site or off-site job supports for clients.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The individual should have a good understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living.
• Knowledgeable about case management and rehabilitation methods, principles, and techniques as they relate to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, and know how to access community resources.
• Knowledge of the methods and modalities as well as the legal requirements and court procedures related to treating mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
• Some knowledge of supervisory and training techniques and practices used in a substance use disorders/mental health setting.
• Ability to evaluate services within assigned program and give input.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are important for producing clear and concise reports.
• Strong customer service skills are also necessary.
• Proficiency in computer knowledge, including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and other electronic media.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required.
• An associates or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.
• At least one year of experience providing employment services.

Supervisory Requirements:

• None

Employment Requirements:

• Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint check.
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment.
• All training requirements including Relias at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.
• Must provide evidence that incumbent is free of infectious and contagious disease, such as TB, prior to beginning employment and annually thereafter – expected for all direct care staff, but mandatory for RCF staff.

Brightli's Mission:

Brightli is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and providing an environment where staff feel valued and empowered. Join us and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.

Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.