Workforce Employment Specialist

SOUTHERN TIER ENVIRONMENTS FOR LIVING, INC.

STEL, Inc. is the Chautauqua - Allegheny region's leading and largest mental health residential rehabilitation and support provider. We seek caring, empathetic and energetic people to join our team of professionals to support our mission assisting people in recovery from mental illness. Competitive salary and excellent full time benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Sec.125 plan, retirement plan, employee assistance plan and more.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A REWARDING AND MEANINGFUL CAREER, APPLY TODAY!

Role: Workforce Employment Specialist

Program Type: Non-Profit Supported Employment Services

Term: Full-time/permanent

Location: Onsite in Jamestown, NY

Work Schedule: Mon-Friday 9-5pm

Compensation: Starting at $19.57/hr

Benefits: We offer paid-time off, paid holidays, affordable medical/dental/vision, 403b retirement plan, Company paid life insurance, profit sharing plan and much more!

Position Summary

The Workforce Employment Specialist provides direct, person-centered support to individuals who have experienced mental health issues to help them identify, secure and maintain competitive employment. The Workforce Specialist works with participants, providing the extended services necessary to overcome barriers and achieve long-term job stabilization and vocational success.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Service & Participant Support

• Provide community-based support, ensuring service delivery is matched to each individual’s unique needs.
• Assist participants in sustaining integrated, competitive employment through regular contacts.
• Develop strategies to identify and address barriers of securing and maintaining employment.
• Advocate for and help implement reasonable accommodations in collaboration with employers and participants.
• Provide rapid re-employment support, including updated job searches and application assistance.
• Assist participants in navigating benefits and work incentives to ensure financial stability during employment.
  
  

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all participant interactions.
• Complete and update Vocational Assessments, Individualized Employment Plans, and progress notes in accordance with OMH standards.
• Utilize the New York Employment Services System (NYESS) for data entry, progress tracking, and reporting.
  
  

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field required.
• (Associates degree with 2 years of relevant experience may be considered).
  
  

Experience

• 1-2 years of experience in human services, vocational coaching, or working with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience working directly with individuals in a supportive, recovery-oriented capacity.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong belief in the "Employment First" philosophy and the ability of individuals with SMI to work in competitive jobs.
• Ability to work independently in the community and manage a flexible schedule.
• Strong communication skills for building relationships with both participants and local business owners.
• Proficiency with digital documentation systems and Microsoft Office.
  
  

Work Environment & Requirements

• This is a community-based position; significant time is spent in the field.
• Travel Requirement: Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required for frequent travel to employer sites and community meetings.
• Background checks required due to work with vulnerable populations.
• Please apply at stel.org/careers OR email resumes to: mcevoyc@stel.org and indicate the Job title and location in the Subject line.
  
  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

STEL, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE.) STEL, Inc. complies with all applicable requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Title VII, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) - Title I; New York State Human Rights Law; and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

STEL, Inc. recruits, hires, trains, transfers, promotes, discharges, compensates, and makes all personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin/ancestry, or disability unrelated to an individuals ability to perform the job.