Vocational Specialist: Community Advocate

Position: Vocational Specialist - N. Seattle

Location: Meridian Center for Health, WA

Job : 846

# of Openings: 0

SIGNING BONUS $1500

Bachelor's salary range: $23.98 - $30.73

Master's salary range: $27.77 - $35.87

As a non‑profit organization, Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care is dedicated to serving our community by offering a wide range of mental health services, from inpatient to outpatient care. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Join us in making a difference every day!

Employment provides more than steady income. For individuals struggling with mental illness, employment is a vehicle to their recovery that provides a sense of purpose.

As a Vocational Specialist, you are the bridge that unites community partners with employment seekers, whose lives are affected by mental illness. If you find value in employment for people and can see the importance of partnering with community businesses to fulfill that value, Valley Cities Behavioral Health has a unique opportunity for you.

Valley Cities is looking for a full‑time Vocational Specialist to join our team. In this role, the Vocational Specialist will utilize techniques to build community partnerships, as well as provide direct clinical engagement to help job seekers find and retain employment. The Vocational Specialist consults with area business partners to learn about job opportunities and then prepares, places, & supports job seekers to be successful in those roles, breaking down barriers that are a result of mental health challenges.

A Vocational Specialist needs to be self‑directed, organized, and willing to travel throughout the community.

• Create employment opportunities for clients/job seekers through business networking
• Research and follow‑through on job leads in the local community.
• Negotiates with employers for modification of job descriptions or restructuring of job duties to better accommodate the support needs of the individual.
• Spends 65% of time in outreach, negotiating and seeking career opportunities.
• Provides career development services including vocational planning, job placement, and job retention support for adults with mental health disabilities.
• Able to effectively coordinate services with treatment team members.
• Uses a computer to efficiently navigate the internet, write and submit reports, and utilize an electronic health record for documentation of services.
• Follows King County’s Supported Employment Program policies and standards.
• Exhibits patience and empathy with a sometimes‑vulnerable population of our community, who are challenged by mental illness.
• Contributes to clinical consultation groups, advocating that employment is a necessity to a client’s recovery.
• Utilizes software programs such as Microsoft Office Programs and Salesforce to accurately track data.

• Bachelor’s degree in the areas of marketing/sales, human resources, psychology/sociology, or another related field required.

• Knowledge of mental illness as a hidden disability & stigma that exists in the community.
• One year of experience in employment or vocational services.

• Current driver’s license and automotive insurance
• Pass required background checks.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision and 403(b).
• 21 days of PTO, plus 11 Paid Holidays
• Free Supervision Hours towards Washington State Licensure
• Potential participation Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A positive and collaborative work environment.
• A chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our employees/clients.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a company that values your contributions, we would love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume (cover letter optional) detailing your relevant experience and why you are the perfect fit for this role.

Join us at Valley Cities and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference every day. We look forward to welcoming you…