Supported Employment Specialist

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist works with local employers and community stakeholders to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment consistent with their vocational goals. An Employment Specialist will have a heart and passion for working with young adults who face employment challenges due to mental illness. The applicant must be mission‑ and values‑driven, create relationships with local employers to develop employment opportunities for clients, possess a strong work ethic, reliability, and desire to be a positive role model for their clients.

$20.38 – $22.94 per hour. Salary reflects steps 1‑5 of an 11‑step pay schedule. The starting salary will be determined based on the applicant’s education and relevant experience.

• Develop relationships with employers by learning about their businesses, hiring practices, hiring preferences, etc., over multiple visits.
• Investigate the local business community to learn about different employers and types of jobs available.
• Utilize good client‑interviewing skills to learn about individual preferences, past experiences, hopes and concerns regarding employment.
• Effectively collaborate with mental health practitioners, VR counselors, family members, and other members of the vocational unit.
• Conduct supported employment work in community settings (at least 65% of the work week).
• Complete documentation for all services provided per IPS guidelines and expectations.
• Assist with finding and accessing resources such as work incentives planning, local schools, available transportation, etc.

• 21 years old or older
• Criminal / Child Abuse Clearance:
  Must pass criminal record and child abuse registry background check as required by the State of Montana.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Six months of vocational rehabilitation counseling, supported employment, case management, experience in marketing and sales in the private sector.
• Driver’s license to operate a passenger vehicle.

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to engage a diverse group of participants.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently effectively.
• Exercise and model good judgment, teamwork, and professionalism, especially in crises, and be creative about finding solutions for clients.
• Relate and build rapport with youth therapeutically while serving as a positive role model for the youth.
• Work in cooperation and collaboration with the treatment team.
• Maintain detailed and accurate client records, case notes, and reports.
• Display regular, predictable, and reliable attendance at work.
• Demonstrate sound & ethical judgment and decision‑making skills.
• Good computer/technology skills and ability to quickly learn and use YBGR selected software solutions.
• Be self‑motivated, self‑disciplined, and diligent with forward thinking.
• Think of the team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
• Interact and communicate effectively with others to build and maintain relationships, collaborate, resolve conflicts, and navigate social situations.
• Demonstrate the following values:
  • Faith – being sure of successfully achieving our mission, based upon our trust in a loving creator.
  • Integrity – doing what is right, putting the needs of others above your own, and living by the highest values.
  • Relationship – being committed to one another in a mutually respectful, dignified, healthy, and honoring manner.
  • Stewardship – the use of any resource or talent entrusted to YBGR to fulfill the mission and values.
• Willingness and ability to obtain certification in First Aid/CPR and Violence Intervention Prevention.

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