Employment Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide employment preparation and job coaching to adults with serious mental illness in a team setting. This program is strength based, focused on recovery and supports individuals to reach their highest potential and attain competitive employment as established in their service plans. Support the team in providing direct service to job seekers, to remove and/or overcome barriers, and support job success to the newly hired. Services are provided in an accepting, non-judgmental and trauma informed care setting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Confirm authorized Participants for program admission criteria.
• Collect and assemble data re: client e.g. diagnosis, limitations, employment and health history, substance abuse if needed.
• Work with client, Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) counselor, case manager, to determine client’s employment goal.
• Design, develop and coordinate employment positions in competitive employment settings.
• Conducts a minimum of six employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
• Serve as liaison between the Program and the employer of participants.
• Provide rapid job search to increase participant engagement.
• Provide retention and employment support for job placed participants in off-site employment settings when disclosure has been provided.
• Supervise and train clients in off-site employment settings.
• Conduct group class in job readiness.
• Adherence to all legal and ethical standards of the profession, with emphasis on client safety, and confidentiality, and record keeping.
• Develop and maintain visible position in the business community. i.e., trade association meetings, professional networking for the future benefit of participants.
• Assist in purchasing clothing and/or equipment to assist in employability of client.
• Support and/or train client in employment settings.
• Transport clients as needed.

SUMMARY OF OTHER JOB DUTIES:

• Reinforce and counsel on the use of appropriate work skills and habits such as grooming, job behavior, and communication with co-workers.
• Complete intake and assessment documents.
• Complete all paperwork required by Department of Mental Health (MH), DOR and CARF, the accreditation Commission.
• Complete Monthly Progress reports for participants by the 5^th business day of the following month.
• Coordinates rehabilitation delivery with social service agencies.
• Perform additional vocational services in this contract as assigned by the Program Director.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer workstation.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Criminal background check via livescan fingerprint
• Must have TB test performed and submit results
• Automobile, valid driver’s license and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work will be mostly indoors in a comfortable office environment.
• This position currently works on a flexible, hybrid schedule.

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Hours will be based on program needs. 

This position description outlines the general nature and responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. Duties may be modified to respond to client needs and agency operations.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Persons seeking employment are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.