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 for the completion of consumer treatment plans.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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 evidenced 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 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, insuring 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. Also responsible for inviting CS Worker to quarterly meetings with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
• Maintains required training and certifications.
• Other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned by supervisor
  
  

Education/Certifications

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
  
  

Experience Required

• 1 to 2 years prior experience preferred.
  
  

Required Knowledge

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

Skills/Abilities

• 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.