Employment Specialist

Position Summary

Develops, trains and maintains competitive employment opportunities in business and industry for persons with serious mental illness or substance use disorder. Serves as liaison for Hamilton Center consumers who are employed in the community. Interacts with employers in business settings and coordinates services for the consumer with Hamilton Center and other human service agencies.

Employment Specialist provides individualized and medically necessary case management and skills training and development services on behalf of consumers and skills training directly to consumers in need. Case Management consists of services that help consumers gain access to needed medical, social, educational, and other services. This includes direct assistance in gaining access to services, coordination of care, oversight of the entire case, and linkage to appropriate services.

Case Management includes: (1) assessment of the eligible consumer to determine service needs; (2) development of an individualized integrated care plan; (3) referral and related activities to help the consumer obtain needed services; (4) monitoring and follow‑up; and (5) evaluation.

The Employment Specialist will also be responsible for providing Skills Training and Development services to consumers. Skills Training and Development services includes but is not limited to individual, group or family face‑to‑face contact for the purpose of the development of skills (i.e., self‑care, daily life management, or problem‑solving skills) directed toward eliminating psychosocial barriers.

• Serves as an advocate for the consumer; providing the opportunity, training and support needed to enable the individual to make and implement informed choices about employment services.
• Schedules and facilitates interdisciplinary team meetings as necessary on behalf of the consumer.
• Assists persons with SMI/SUD in obtaining appropriate competitive employment, ensuring employment is consistent with individual goals.
• Learn sufficiently in order to provide the level, intensity and duration of job skill training needed by the consumer to maintain employment.
• Provides on‑going follow‑up and support services to the consumer to assist them in adjusting to and maintaining their employment. Assists individuals in accessing other community resources.
• Provides information to community at large, social service agencies and other human service providers regarding the goals and purposes of Employment Services. Coordinate and work closely with consumers, and other human service agencies in order to provide quality employment services.
• Prepare and maintain current and accurate billing and service records, reports, correspondence and other program documents.
• Works flexible schedule including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Meets regularly with supervisor and OBHP Supervisor to exchange pertinent information and receive supervision.
• Maintains an active caseload providing referrals and linkage as needed within area of expertise and limits of credentials; assures procurement of additional services as needed.
• Acquires and provides to the team the detailed information regarding an assigned consumer to establish the foundation for the Treatment Plan.
• Works with the client on a day‑to‑day basis using professional judgment and discretion to implement the team determined Treatment Plan.
• Maintains a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality, dual‑relationships, boundaries, and professional stature.
• Completion of required CANS and/or ANSA training and ongoing certification.
• Timely completion of DARMHA Supported Consumer (DSC) paperwork and reassessments within specified deadlines.
• Participates in meetings, in‑services, projects and activities as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Degree in education, mental health or related field preferred.
• One (1) year OBHP experience.
• Written and oral communication skills, English usage and interpersonal skills.
• Will be required to use personal transportation in work capacity and transport clients.
• Can…