SUD Supported Employment Specialist

SUD Supported Employment Specialist #1420

The Supported Employment Specialist – Substance Use Disorder Services assesses people diagnosed with a substance use disorder for employment capabilities, provides training assistance, offers continuing support, and assists clients target potential jobs, explore job possibilities in the community, and make job placements. Educates employers and community providers about Life Works NW's Employment Services and how they operate as a successful community placement model for employing people with substance use disorders while encouraging them to recognize clients' abilities to be productive and successful.

This position is based on the supported employment fidelity model created by the IPS Employment Center ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

This position is based out of Life Works NW's Hillsboro Walnut site.

$24.39-$31.71 per hourplus, Full benefit

Salary Placement Notice:
The posted salary range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final salary offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

• Interviews individuals and, if applicable, family members or team members in the client support system to complete the strengths based vocational assessment to identify clients' skills, strengths, interests, goals, dreams, aspirations, and resources available to reach their goals.
• Counsels individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their vocational situations.
• Develops an employment focused service plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths and needs. Service plans will have measurable goals and objectives based on the diagnosis and will specify type, frequency, intensity, and duration of service. Service plans will be client driven and follow-ups will be completed on time, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
• Researches possible job openings and opportunities for clients by contacting employment services, newspaper want ads, previous contacts, cold calling, and any other means of reaching potential employers.
• Performs job analysis, matching potential openings with clients' needs, skills, and logistics of getting to the job site.
• Establishes and maintains connections with business offering employment opportunities.
• Monitors and tracks employment status. Provides accurate and timely written reports to the Vocational Rehabilitation Division. Ensures timely record maintenance of authorizations for purchase, billings, and completed releases of information. Maintains client records in compliance with agency and confidentiality guidelines. Completes documentation in an electronic health records system.
• Sets up interviews for clients, assist clients with application, resume preparation and interviewing skills.
• Locates barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, and transportation problems and works with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
• Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy. Provide job coaching as determined by clients' needs and employer's wishes.
• Performs interventions as needed with assigned clients previously placed who may be at risk of losing their jobs. Work closely with employer and client to resolve issues as soon as possible.
• Coordinates and consults with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress.
• Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding vocational rehabilitation issues.
• Refers client or family to community resources including state vocational rehabilitation services and benefits counselor.
• Provides crisis intervention to Clients when difficult situations occur.
• Serves as back-up for other staff when needed.
• Checks e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day when working responding to contacts within 48 hours for routine matter (urgent matters may require a more immediate response).
• Required to transport clients in a personal vehicle and/or Life Works NW vehicle.

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work or other behavioral health related field and/or an associate's degree with a minimum of three full years working with a similar population required.
• Must be be a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I, II, or III) or be working towards obtaining a CADC, or be a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM).
• Must be credentialed through Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO). All prospective candidates must have a valid MHACBO registration number upon hire.
• Requires valid driver's license, proof of…