Employment Specialist

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing community based Employment Services to persons diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness. Employment Specialist’s essential job duties include: assisting the consumer with refining interview skills, development of consumer resumes and/or master applications, establishment of relationships with potential employers, Job Development, Job Placement and completion of consumer treatment plans.

• Assists in preparing persons for successful employment and retention (interview skills, developing resume/master application), identifying individual needs and skills.
• Complete IPS Vocational Profile and treatment plans, Job Development and Placement, Job Coaching, and Follow Along activities. Utilizes professional judgment and decision-making in regards to aspects of employment services and implementation of evidence-based IPS Model.
• Completes all required paperwork, including progress notes and Vocational Rehabilitation Forms in a timely and accurate manner according to company standards and procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of agency technology programs and/or systems (i.e. Avatar, Time on Demand, Image Now, etc.) needed to do the job and uses them effectively.
• Completes progress notes in AVATAR within 72 hours of service provided, clearly reflecting the supports provided, employers contacted and next scheduled meeting time.
• Provides on-site job analysis, consultation, and recommendations for work site and job modifications when appropriate.
• Instructs persons served in job duties and expectations, demonstrates how to do the job, and offers retraining and coaching as needed.
• Advocates and intervenes for consumers with employers consistent with consumer needs and abilities when requested.
• Explores and locates new employers for potential consumer placements, including cold calls to identified job leads, establishing positive community relationships.
• Maintains professional relationships with Tri-County Staff, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and other identified providers.
• Assists consumers in getting to potential job sites and employment opportunities/meetings.
• Works as a member of a team, ensuring monthly budget goals are met by turning in necessary VR paperwork in a timely manner according to company guidelines.
• Attends regular scheduled Employment Services staff and Treatment Team meetings.
• Ensures that the Consumer’s CS Worker/Treatment Team is informed of consumer progress while in the Employment Services program, and invites CS Worker to quarterly meetings with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
• Maintains required training and certifications.
• Other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Associates Degree or Bachelor’s degree in the Social Services field or 4 years prior related work experience required.
• Active driver’s license and minimum state-required auto‑insurance.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.

• 1 to 2 years prior experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of recruitment, hiring practices, and local businesses/job market.
• Knowledge of rehabilitation services and community resources.

• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, clients and other providers in a professional manner.
• The ability to use basic business equipment including fax, copier, laptop, etc.
• The ability to use personal vehicle to transport clients according to the organization’s Vehicle Safety Standards.
• Knowledge of basic computer and software skills, prior experience with Microsoft Outlook preferred.

Entry level

Full‑time

Human Resources

Mental Health Care