Employment Specialist

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, provides employment support services to individuals receiving behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services. Conducts vocational assessments, provides job readiness and employment skills training, develops employment opportunities, supports job placement activities, and assists individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment within the community. Works collaboratively with employers, service providers, families, and treatment teams to maximize successful employment outcomes.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Provides vocational assessments and evaluates job skills, strengths, interests, abilities, and employment readiness.

Assists individuals with career exploration and employment goal development.

Provides job readiness, employability, and job-seeking skills training to individuals and groups.

Assists consumers with application completion, resume development, interviewing techniques, and job search activities.

Develops employment opportunities through outreach to community businesses and employers.

Negotiates with employers to identify and develop suitable job opportunities for consumers.

Provides job placement services and coordinates employment supports.

Conducts job analyses to identify essential job functions and workplace accommodations.

Provides onsite job coaching, training, orientation, and employment support services.

Monitors employment stability and provides follow-up services to assist individuals in maintaining employment.

Provides counseling, encouragement, and support to help individuals achieve employment goals.

Participates in treatment team meetings, staffing reviews, and interdisciplinary planning activities.

Collaborates with community agencies, employers, families, and service providers to coordinate services.

Maintains accurate documentation and timely completion of service records.

Ensures required information is documented and transmitted in accordance with agency standards.

Maintains current knowledge of supported employment practices, labor market trends, and vocational rehabilitation resources.

Attends required seminars, training sessions, and professional development activities.

Maintains a high-quality, customer-focused approach when providing services and support.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge &

Skills:

Knowledge of supported employment principles and vocational rehabilitation practices.

Knowledge of state, federal, and local employment-related regulations and program requirements.

Knowledge of community resources and employment opportunities available to individuals with disabilities and behavioral health needs.

Knowledge of PC-based software applications and office technologies.

Knowledge of assessment and evaluation techniques used to determine vocational functioning.

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Ability to establish positive relationships with consumers, employers, families, and community partners.

Ability to conduct employment assessments and evaluate consumer skills and interests.

Ability to provide individual and group training services.

Ability to negotiate employment opportunities and advocate for consumers.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and efficiently.

Ability to participate in supervision, staff meetings, planning sessions, and training activities.

Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple assignments effectively.

Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.

Ability to prepare reports and complete required documentation timely.

Primary Responsibilities, but not limited to:

Vocational assessment and employment planning.

Job readiness and employment skills training.

Community job development and employer outreach.

Job placement and vocational support services.

Onsite job coaching and follow-up support.

Consumer advocacy and employment retention services.

Treatment team participation and service coordination.

Documentation and compliance monitoring.

Community networking and resource development.

Employment outcome tracking and reporting.

Competencies:

Communication Accountability/Responsibility Cooperation/Teamwork Creative Thinking Customer Service Dependability Flexibility Initiative Investigative /Analytical Data Gathering Judgment Professionalism Stress  Management Forward Thinking Negotiating…