Employment Counselor jobs in Connecticut

TITLE: Employment Specialist

DEPT: Supported Employment / Middletown Based

REPORTS TO: Senior Program Manager

SUMMARY:

Employment Specialists are responsible for assisting individuals with severe and prolonged mental illness to become competitively employed in the community and to reach their maximum vocational potential. This involves, but is not limited to, vocational assessments, job seeking skills training, issues related to personal appearance/presentation, entitlements training, time-limited job coaching, interview support and job development with the business community. Must be able to provide employment related support to individuals with a wide range of skills/abilities. Must be able to be flexible with work schedule to meet the needs of program participants and their employers. Must be able to communicate effectively with other service providers to coordinate service delivery for program participants.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DAILY TASKS:
This position requires such typical work operations and responsibilities as, but not limited to:

• Establishing and maintaining contacts with business and industry; insuring job development; maintain written records of such contacts.
• Providing counseling and support to identify/establish vocational goals and job interests of the participant, as well as, administering/arranging for interest/skill assessments as needed.
• Obtaining employment opportunities for program participants via job development activities and maintaining effective communication with employers.
• Providing on the job support, job seeking skills and assistance with transportation arrangements necessary for the participant to employed.
• Providing on the job training; assisting with adjustment and transition to the work environment; supporting and/or educating employers or coworkers with respect to the participant’s strengths and needs.
• Providing transportation for program participants during the job development process or in other circumstances when public transportation cannot be arranged.
• Providing ongoing supports and promoting independence; assisting participants, in conjunction with other service providers, to maintain a balance in his/her life with regard to work and other issues.
• Representing Kuhn at seminars/conferences such as trade and human services sponsored training events, staying abreast of latest human services approaches/techniques and labor market trends.
• Advocating and communicating with other agencies with regard to confidentiality and participant needs.

OTHER DUTIES:

• The person holding this position will also perform related duties such as participating in participant centered meetings; participating in Kuhn committees; participating in community events and organizations; assisting with positive publicity and other miscellaneous duties as needed. NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES are shared by all staff on an as needed basis and are not necessarily assigned.
• Works with and assists others as required. Performs additional duties at the request of the management.
• Responsible for performing work duties in a safe manner, adhering to all established safety procedures and providing input into enhancing overall company safety.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation, Human Services or related field OR combination of a 4 year degree in a non-related field with related work experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary. Some computer experience. Specific types of experience may be preferred depending upon the caseload of participants assigned.
• CPR certification and First Aid training required
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license
• Available means of transportation.
• Automobile insurance in force per Kuhn’s specifications when using personal vehicle for work related purposes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Light to medium physical activity based on the job supports that may be necessary for participants on occasion.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk and drive.
• Ability to communicate with employers, supervisors, coworkers and other professional staff.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.50 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Direct support: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CT Drivers License (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person