Description

Employment Specialist

$45,000-52,000 Full Time: 36 Hours
The position requires

Knowledge of personality, career development, counseling, and assessment procedures is often gained after completing a bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, vocational evaluation, disability services, psychology, social work, or a similar discipline and a valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Summary: This position helps individuals with mental health disabilities develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce through opportunities, including job shadows, internship placements, enrollment in educational opportunities, soft skills training, task analysis, systematic instruction, job preparation, job development, and job retention services. You communicate regularly with treatment team members, including contract agencies, to coordinate and integrate employment services into treatment. Completes all required reports, paperwork, and billing documentation. The position requires cell availability only occasionally during non-business hours. Must live within 40 miles of the Independence Center and have a reliable car.

1. It requires knowledge of individual evaluation, job coaching processes, and the capacity to match a person to suitable employment.
2.  Responsible for ensuring that the vocational program meets its performance outcomes and ensures good employment outcomes for individuals in the vocational program.
3. Significant interpersonal skills are required to create and maintain relationships with diverse businesses, discover new employment resources for clients, and communicate successfully with clients, coworkers, and job locations.
4. Investigative skills are required to assess individuals' skills, experiences, and abilities, analyze occupations, identify work adjustment requirements, and analyze labor market survey data to build a placement/coaching action plan. 
5. The position is responsible for providing the following duties:

• Is responsible for at least 15 jobs, starting each year after the first year.
• Conducts at least six employer contacts weekly to learn about businesses and employer needs, discuss specific individuals looking for work, or discuss employer services offered by the vocational program.
• Spends at least 50% or more of the total scheduled work hours in the community. For example, they meet with members in community settings and develop relationships with managers at their businesses.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of IPS. This includes the development of "natural supports" in the workplace, job support, retention strategies, entitlement management, and employer relationships.
• Provides direct service to individuals, clinical assessments, and intake for potential members. Engages new individuals and acts as a case manager until the person is assigned or terminated from the program. Services will include treatment, skills training, transition and discharge planning, and crisis intervention. Service and transition/discharge plans are to be developed in cooperation with the individual, his/her family, collaboration agencies, the case manager, and others, as necessary. 
• Develop an individual employment plan with each program individual, using input from the clinical team and other treatment team providers as allowed. 
• The position helps individuals with career development, including finding more desirable jobs, helping people ask for raises and promotions, and helping with education and training programs available to the general public.
• Support individuals by making employer contacts, completing job applications, and obtaining information about jobs available in the community.
• Provides supported education, using IPS principles, for individuals who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• The position provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by members, which may include negotiating job accommodations and following up with the employer; it also assists members in obtaining information about their benefits and how employment will affect them. 
• Works as a job coach for members working through the Center's Vocational Program. This includes providing individualized follow-along support to assist clients in maintaining employment, such as frequent in-person support during the first month of a new job and at least monthly after working steadily and as desired by members. 
• Works with the local Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) office to coordinate programming and individual services. Attends meetings and communicates regularly with DRS employees to discuss possible referrals and shared members. 
• Participates in community activities and fairs for job development and marking activities provided by the Center.

Physical Demands:

There are considerable physical demands associated with this position. The employee will have to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain. The position may also require some light lifting of supplies and materials from time to time.

Lifting: Occasionally

Climbing: Rarely

Carrying: Occasionally

Reaching: Rarely

Pushing: Rarely

Grasping: Rarely

Bending: Occasionally

Fine Eye-to-Hand Coordination: Frequently

Squatting: Occasionally

Typing: Continuously

Kneeling: Occasionally

Driving: Frequently

Work Environment: In-Doors 60%, Out-Doors 40%

#ZR 

Requirements

A bachelor's in a vocational rehabilitation or human services field from an accredited institution is preferred.

Previous job placement and retention experience with persons with disabilities. 

Must be self-motivated, organized, and comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

A collaborative, solution-focused team player must help facilitate safe patient outcomes and contribute to institutional goals.