Employment Counselor jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL

Supported Employment Specialist (Adults)

Stafford Plaza and Satellite Offices

Full-Time (Monday-Thursday 8 : 00AM-5 : 00PM & Friday 8 : 00AM-12 : 00PM)

COMPETENCIES

• In-depth knowledge of mental illness diagnoses and symptoms, medications, and treatment services.
• In-depth knowledge of community resources available to our clients.
• Excellent ability to work within the agency to effectively serve the needs of our clients.
• Excellent ability to work with other program staff in a cooperative, supportive manner.
• Must be able to successfully meet State training requirements to ensure the delivery of comprehensive, effective, and efficient services to individuals within the agency's target populations.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize a variety of tasks.
• Must possess excellent ability to comprehend and maintain program standards.
• Knowledgeable in cultural diversity.
• Competent computer skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBLITIES

• Treat all clients with care, dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Respect clients' privacy and confidentiality.
• Ensure that all assigned duties are implemented according to the Department of Mental Health Standards.
• Engage clients in collaborative relationships toward the goal of obtaining and maintaining meaningful and competitive employment.
• Assesses clients' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.
• Provide information about clients' total income based on part-time or full-time employment.
• Assist clients in completing applications to secure benefits and employment.
• Assist clients in obtaining documentation required for applications to the Social Security Administration and other agencies and that is required for employment applications.
• Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of clients, following the principles and procedures of supported employment.
• Conduct employer contacts which are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
• Provide education and supports to employers as agreed upon by clients that may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with the employer.
• Utilize a variety of outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the service.
• Develop an individual employment plan with each client, mental health worker and other treatment team providers.
• Provide supported education using principles similar to supported employment for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with the Social Security Administration office and other agencies.
• Effectively utilize the SOAR / Situational Obstacle Action Results System.
• Provide clients with information about the effect of work on a spouse's or dependent child's benefits.
• Ensure clients are referred to and linked with needed resources within the agency and community.
• Effectively collaborate with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of case management services.
• Complete documentation within established times per Indian Rivers' policy. Ensure complete and accurate data is maintained in AVATAR, (diagnosis approval, admission flow, open episodes, enrollment)
• Attend and actively participate in treatment team meetings as assigned.
• Demonstrate appropriate and ethical behavior at all times.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude toward work and the completion of work assignments.
• Respond to phone calls / communication in a timely manner.
• Transport client in a company vehicle, ensuring that company vehicle is operated in a safe manner and that appropriate staff are notified if there is an accident or if the vehicle is in need of service.
• Ensure that agency vehicles have pre-trip inspections, monthly maintenance checks, and provide report documentation to supervisor and Facilities Manager.
• If a company vehicle is not available utilize personal vehicle to accomplish work related duties. Indian Rivers will reimburse mileage.
• Meet or exceed productivity requirements of billable hours per month established by the Department Manager.
• Represent the Organization in an accurate and professional manner.
• Follows IRBH Policy and Procedures.
• Maintain communication and awareness of current Organization events by reading memos, emails, bulletin boards, and communication logs.
• Work independently and / or with teams to complete assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner with minimum supervision.
• Support Organizational Code of Conduct, Standards Compliance, HIPAA and Security Programs by ensuring job tasks are performed in a legal and ethical manner, assessing the work area for non-compliance and notifying the supervisor, manager, Executive Director or designee as appropriate, and maintaining training requirements and understanding that training is a required condition of employment.
• Adhere to attendance and punctuality policy by allowing adequate time to arrive, clock-in and assume responsibilities at designated time, adhering to meal and break times and making timely requests for annual leave and reporting the need for sick leave in accordance with policy.
• Comply with all standards related to safety and health by maintaining current TB Test, CPR / First Aid, CPI, and by reporting infections and on-the-job injuries in accordance with policy.
• Identify opportunities for improving the quality of services provided by the department and the organization.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor or Executive Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent with the knowledge of the field of employment or experience in providing services to individuals with serious mental illness and / or providing employment services to disabled populations.

Must complete the ADMH approved IPS-SEP Practitioner's training within the first six (6) months of hire.

• Current Alabama driver's license and good driving record as defined by Indian Rivers' policy.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS, HIPAA, OTHER GUIDELINES

Job Specifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

HIPAA : Must be knowledgeable of and abide by HIPAA regulations with regard to protected health information as defined by HIPAA and IRMHC.

Minimally accesses verbal, written, and / or electronic PHI, usually incidentally to an approved use and / or disclosure as pertains to consumer's financial, demographic, and / or clinical data.

Working Conditions : Works in general office environment and in residential facilities; may require long hours. Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.

Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, computer, copier, multi-line phone and fax machine.

Some risk involved in the event of aggressive / out-of-control consumers. Must possess a valid Alabama driver's license.

Physical Requirements : The Physical Requirements described herein are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform essential functions.

Physical presence onsite is essential. Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Last updated : 2024-03-30