Supported Employment Specialist - TM018

Title: Supported Employment Specialist

Location: Bear Lodge - 3636 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232

Schedule: This is an in-person position, Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Wage Range: $24.75 – $29.00 hourly, Non-Exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Supported Employment Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA Northwest, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful difference.  

Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

About the Company:

At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The Supported Employment Specialist will assist clients in developing goals related to employment and vocational rehabilitation that will ensure positive outcomes for clients using the IPS fidelity model. This position requires a significant amount of time in the community, such as client residences and local businesses.

What you will do:

• Engage clients in establishing trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community settings.
• Must adhere to all aspects of the IPS fidelity model.
• Assist clients in learning how benefits will be affected by earned income.
• Help client’s think about long-term employment goals, work history, strengths, justice involvement, and other factors that are related to and may affect vocational goals.
• Complete career profile for each client and assist client with updating the profile as new experiences occur.
• Develop individual employment plans with clients that incorporates information from the client’s employment goals. Collaborate with clinicians and other providers regarding information that may be included in this plan and will be coordinated with comprehensive plan of care.
• Support clients in connecting to, engaging with, and following through with employment opportunities.
• Provide outreach services to potential employers, educators, community partners, and other networking contacts to promote positive community connections.
• Work as a liaison between client and potential employer to assist with orientation, training, and engagement.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• Either a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate required
• Qualified Mental Health Association (QMHA) certification through MHACBO.
• At least two years experience providing direct services to individuals diagnosed with mental health concerns.
• Training in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) or willingness to be trained in IPS
• A driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance.
• Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.
• Prior experience as a vocational specialist preferred.
• Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community preferred.

What’s in it for you?

14 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, and December 25^th!

Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 14 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

How to apply:

1. To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
2. Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that’s all!
3. Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.

Salary : $25 - $29