What are the responsibilities and job description for the MHSS Employment Specialist (Job Coach) position at Chesterfield County, VA?
Minimum Qualifications
Who We Are:
Mental Health Support Services (MHSS) is the provider of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services for children and adults in Chesterfield County. We are seeking an Employment Specialist to join Chesterfield Employment Services where we have supported individuals with employment for over fifty years. As an Employment Specialist, you will provide direct training, support, and advocacy to adults with intellectual disabilities in different employment settings.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, marketing, or a related human services field; one year of experience in working with individuals with disabilities such as mental illness or developmental disabilities; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. One year experience of working with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in a community setting preferred; experience with an electronic health record system preferred; experience with data collection preferred.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of supported employment; of systemic training techniques. Ability to supervise consumers in work settings; to assist consumers with physically demanding work including, but not limited to, heavy lifting, walking up and down stairs, standing for prolonged periods, squatting, stooping, bending, twisting, stretching, crawling, reaching overhead, and working in awkward positions without choice or variety; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers. Knowledge of supported employment, training techniques and behavioral supports preferred; proficiency with Microsoft Office preferred.
Additional Requirements:
Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.
Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check, and education/degree verification required.
This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.Duties
- Trains and supervises consumers in areas of employment, self-help, and social skills;
- Partners with businesses, seeks working assessment opportunities, completes applications and, assists with in person interviews;
- Assists consumers in coordinating employment services with other service providers;
- Assists and performs work at contracted jobsites which may include more than one individual and supports a caseload of 15-21 individuals;
- Assesses client readiness, skills, abilities, and interest;
- Reviews, maintains and prepares a variety of consumer records and reports (e.g. behavior, consumer progress, supports checklist, consumer payroll, billing);
- Provides direct on the job training, long term job security supports, and advocates for individuals;
- Provides work direction to employment assistants in the implementation of consumer programs;
- Transports individuals to employment sites and related designated locations; and
- Performs other work as required.
PLEASE NOTE: Position open until filled (first review to begin March 30, 2026).
Shift
Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hours can vary based on the needs of the individuals supported. Availability for occasional evenings. This position allows the ability to flex hours to meet the needs of the business, though still required to maintain a 40-hour work week.
Work Location
Mental Health Support Services
Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion