Employment Specialist

Job Number: 266

Location: Odessa

Supervises: N

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Division: MH

Salary: $20.65 per hour. Sign on bonus may be available.

Shift: M-F 8am - 5pm; may require a flexible work schedule; Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency and clients change

Driving required: Y

Travel required: Y

Settings: office, field

POSITION SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The Employment Specialist assists individuals with mental illness with obtaining and maintaining employment in the community. This position develops effective and individualized job coaching and employment plans as well as learn responsibilities of each job site and assist in training the individual in an atmosphere that promotes confidence, safety and job security. The Employment Specialist develops and maintains employer relations in the community.

This position works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Required: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, physician assistance, gerontology, special education, educational psychology, early childhood education or early childhood intervention or a bachelor's degree with at least 30 hours of coursework in the previous fields. **this position is grandfathered.

Experience Required: At least 1 year experience in mental health preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure or other Qualifications Required:

• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to PermiaCare's insurance requirements.
• Required to pass criminal history and background checks as well as pre-employment drug screen.
• Must obtain QMHP certification within 6 months.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet with client's supervisor as needed.
• Follow up with client's at least bi-weekly or as needed to determine if client is in need of assistance.
• Develop effective job coaching and employment plans for each client.
• Assist clients to discover and overcome their personal barriers and set goals.
• Assist clients to learn and keep a job in a community setting.
• Utilize Supported Employment curriculum to provide effective job training skills.
• Assist client who do not have proper ID or employment documents to obtain the documents (ie, state ID card, social security card).
• Provide coaching in effective job search techniques.
• Keep accurate records and documentation and prepare reports as requested.
• Assist supervisory personnel at job site to identify and solve problems.
• Assist client to make an easy transition into the job.
• Develop and maintain employer relations.
• Meet unit performance measures or targets.
• Maintain assigned caseload of individuals with mental illness.
• Coordinate services to designated caseload.
• Enter accurate and appropriate documentation of services within timeframe required.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and treatment information, client files and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA, laws, rules and regulations, and established procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable physical on-site attendance. Regular attendance, dependability, and promptness are required for the scheduled work day 100% of the time, to ensure consistency and completeness of program's processes.
• Comply with the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation policy and reporting requirements.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior policy requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with individuals served and their families, supervisors, co-workers and visitors by demonstrating cooperative, courteous and respectful behavior at all times.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor.
• Open and process mail/email in a timely manner.
• Answer phone, collect phone messages and respond to requests timely and accurately.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
• Perform all work functions and interactions using a trauma informed approach.
• Display professionalism when representing PermiaCare and the program in the community.
• Maintain compliance with legal requirements and company policies and procedures.
• Maintain valid and current driver's license, auto insurance, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation at all times. Driving may be required for this position.
• Complete all training as assigned prior to due date.
• Other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (these duties are not designated as essential for the purposes of ADA; they are still required duties):

• Fill in for other MH staff as needed.
• Assist supervisor with assessments of potential supported employment clients.
• Assist in obtaining other needed services to help maintain employment.
• Provide translation, if applicable.
• Participate in team meeting or staffings.
• Participate in community activities and/or attends community meetings as needed.
• Participate in workgroups and committees as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of mental illness and treatment.
• Ability to manage documentation of services.
• Knowledge of behavior modification techniques.
• Ability to establish and nurture good rapport with employers and clients.
• Ability to promote confidence in client.
• Knowledge of local resources, including local employers.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and ability to protect confidentiality.
• Effective multi-tasking skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Welcoming, positive behavior.
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
• Effective time management skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills, including positive attitude.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Knowledge of trauma informed theories, principles and practices.
• Flexibility and adaptability to different work environments.
• Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Reading and comprehending.
• Reasoning and analyzing.
• Ability to coordinate with various inter-agency personnel.
• Ability to fulfill PMAB and CPR/First Aid requirements
• Ability to work independently
• Good interpersonal skills, including ability to build rapport with individuals including co-workers.
• Ability to display comfort in interacting with individuals of diverse cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds and with social service, healthcare, educational and criminal justice organizations, as needed.
• Ability to acquire and utilize new skills as the job requires.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with supervisor, individuals, co-workers, and groups of persons at all levels of activity, contributing to a spirit of teamwork.
• Ability to maintain highly confidential information.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to plan and schedule work and implement directives without constant supervision.
• Model professionalism by appropriate dress, language, ethics and work habits.
• Ability to drive personal and/or company vehicle. This position may require travel to agency program sites, community and residential sites, and/or locations outside the PermiaCare catchment area. This position may require transport of agency individuals and/or individuals served.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Abilities Required:

• Moderate Lifting, 15-44 lbs
• Light Carrying, under 15 lbs
• Walking
• Standing
• Sitting
• Climbing stairs
• Operating mechanical equipment
• Operating office equipment
• Operating motor vehicle
• Ability to see
• Hearing (with aid)
• Ability to write
• Ability to count
• Ability to read
• Ability to tell time

Other (specify): driving required. May require some travel after hours and overnight.

WORKSITE CONDITIONS:

• Travel
• Inside
• Working closely with others
• Working alone

ADA Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EEO Statement: PermiaCare is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties, activities or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, activities and responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute an employment contract with PermiaCare. Employment is at-will.

Would you like to work for an agency that makes a difference in the lives of people in your community every day? Join our team of dedicated and passionate staff and use your talents and skills to help others. Work one on one and as part of a team with kids or adults with mental illness, developmental disabilities, HIV or substance abuse diagnoses, assist from behind the scenes in any one of our administrative departments, or provide necessary support for the direct care staff. Be an asset to your community while getting paid for it!

PermiaCare is a public agency that provides a comprehensive array of services to persons experiencing mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. We deliver high quality services to eight counties in Texas, serving the community as effectively and efficiently as we can. PermiaCare provides four main services: Mental Health (MH) Services, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Services, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services, and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services.

PermiaCare knows that quality healthcare is important to maintaining a healthy life and providing proper care for your family. Health insurance through BCBS is provided free of charge to each full-time employee at PermiaCare, with the ability to purchase coverage for your family. Dental, vision, Colonial and AFLAC offerings are also available through payroll deductions for any PermiaCare employee for themselves and their family. Retirement, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Time Off, Long Term Disability and Workers Compensation benefits are also covered by the agency. PermiaCare provides training and development through New Employee Orientation and ongoing training requirements. Educational assistance is also provided for qualified employees.

Apply at www.permiacare.org. Only completed applications will be considered for employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.65 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Odessa, TX 79761: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person