EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Description

Job Summary: The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing community employment services for clients with severe mental illness—developing and placing them in supported employment positions in the community that meet their employment outcome goals and needs.  The Employment Specialist reports to the Manager of Employment and Vocational Services. 

Essential Functions: 

• Fulfills requirements by developing and delivering employment services to those in need 

• Is the primary contact between clients, Recovery Resources and other community organizations 

• Works collaboratively to continuously improve services and processes 

• Clients achieve and maintain employment and are satisfied with services 

• Clinical records are submitted timely and accurately 

• Productivity and performance goals are met 

• Specific core competencies, skills, knowledge, and abilities are defined Agency-wide, are provided upon hire and available on the Agency’s Intranet 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Review skills, interests, abilities, and previous work history with clients and their referring sources to assist in developing employment goals (vocational planning); 

• Develop job placement plans with Employment Alliance clients; 

• Implement individualized job placement plans with clients.  This may include arranging or coordinating any of the following services:  referral to community-based work assessment or work adjustment, Job Club, benefits consultation, JSST, job search and  development, travel training, job coaching, etc; 

• Refer clients for benefits consultation regarding Social Security work incentives and entitlements; 

• Educate employers about the organization’s employment services; 

• Match job opportunities with the employment needs, strengths and interests of clients; 

• Contact employers regarding employment of specific job placement candidates; 

• Prepare analysis of work environment and requirements with potential employers; 

• Provide motivation, encouragement and support to job-seekers; 

• Provide instruction and/or reinforcement of job-seeking skills for clients capable of self-directed job search and interviewing; 

• Arrange job interviews, including accompanying and transporting clients to interviews where needed; 

• Assist clients in arranging travel to and from work; determine the need and duration of client travel training on public transit systems; 

• Assist clients in identifying symptoms that create barriers to employment 

• Assist clients with self-management of symptoms; 

• Assist clients in developing interpersonal and community coping skills for the work environment; 

• Provide assistance and support to clients in crisis; 

• Provide advocacy support services to all clients assigned to caseload; 

• Maintain excellent communication with professionals--CPST Workers, Rehabilitation Counselors, referring agency, residential providers--and significant others whom the client has designated as part of the treatment and support team and  inform them of the client’s progress in employment services; 

• Provide individualized Job Coaching and support services on or off site as appropriate, developing and implementing a plan for systematic reduction of coaching; 

• Assist employers in modification of job descriptions, restructuring of job duties or work site changes which better accommodate the employability needs of the client; 

• Secure job performance feedback from employer and make appropriate adjustments to the client’s employment plan to enhance job performance. 

• Assure consumer confidentiality consistent with client rights, and all applicable Federal, state, and local laws; 

• Maintain all case record documentation in accordance with ODMH and CARF standards and in compliance with ORSC, CCBDD and ADAMHS Board requirements; 

• Meet with other Employment Specialists regularly to exchange information;. 

• Provide services according to the evidence-based best practice Supported Employment model for people with mental illness. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a business or allied educational or human services field required.  

• Two years of continuous work experience in a profession serving adults with mental illness required. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Experience in vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and/or sales and marketing helpful.   

• Technical knowledge of supported employment and job development principles and methods desirable. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and standing, bending and moving. 

• Requires some exposure to communicable diseases or body fluids. 

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.  

Work Environment: 

Business hours generally Monday through Friday, however some evening & weekend hours may be necessary to meet all client services / programs.  Position may also be required to respond to emergencies (on-call) depending on program / level of care.

Qualifications