Employment Specialist

Supports clients in pursuit of educational or employment goals. Provides supported education and supported employment services. Assists with job searches and applications for employment. Facilitates groups and Work Exploration Class. Interacts with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, teachers, student advisors, and others in the service of seeking and maintaining employment and educational goals.

DUTIES

Interviews applicants for employment services to discuss career planning and/or employment opportunities, requirements, interests and procedures.

Provides job development and job coaching services to assist clients in securing and maintaining employment.

Provides assistance in applying, registering and asking for accommodations for educational goals.

Interacts with Disabled Student Resources advisors in the development of accommodations/supports for successful educational experience for clients.

Evaluates work/school performance and coaches client as needed to improve performance.

Facilitates job preparation/exploration classes

May provide benefits counseling and assist client with application for benefits through the SOAR process as appropriate.

Develop job shadowing, volunteer or informational interview experiences for clients.

Assists in constructing resumes and cover letters.

Completes documentation of client services/encounters.

Provides services within guidelines of various grants.

Maintains accurate records, files, and submits reports as required.

Interacts with and maintains relations with clinical teams and outside agencies involved in the support of the client.

Assist with preparation of grant proposals as needed for funding and/or funding continuation.

Employee must be able to monitor client activities, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

An individual may qualify for the position if the individual is able to “perform safely” the essential functions of the position with or without a reasonable accommodation. “Perform safely” means to perform without causing a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation, as defined by 42 U.S.C. #12111(b) and the EEOC’s regulations, 29 C.F.R #1630.2(r).

REQUIREMENTS

High School or GED diploma

Fingerprint clearance may be required based on location

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Previous work experience in social service providing employment support/services to adults with a serious mental illness or other barriers to employment.

Proven success securing preferred competitive employment opportunities, volunteer positions or educational opportunities for individuals with a serious mental illness or other barriers to employment.

Proven ability to effectively identify and respond to the needs of persons with a serious mental illness or other barriers to employment.

Proven ability to prepare reports within ADHS, BHS, RBHA and DES/RSA guidelines.

Proven ability to professionally disseminate information through written communications, informational literature and public presentations.

Proven ability to effectively collaborate with co-workers, sponsors, consumers, VR counselors, case managers, family members and other stake holders.

Knowledge of career planning practices and techniques.

Knowledge of interviewing techniques and related career and job search skills.

Knowledge of human behavior, individual differences, motivation and attitudes.

Other potential requirements

Fingerprint Clearance

May need to work evenings or weekends on occasion.

Ability to complete certification in First Aid and CPR.

Ability to pass Physical Exam and T.B. Test

We offer a competitive wage that includes shift differential and bilingual differential pay for some positions, as well as the below generous benefit packet for full-time employees.

Medical, dental, vision insurance.

Flexible spending Accounts

Health savings account with employer contribution.

403b retirement account

Tuition reimbursement up to $5200 per year (accessible after first 90 days of employment).

Allowance added to pay to supplement additional benefits in the amount of – 2% of salary the first year and increasing every 2 years.

15 days of PTO in the first 2 years, increasing by an additional 5 days every two years.

10 paid holidays.

Short-term & Long-term Disability.

Bereavement Leave