Supported Employment Specialist

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Carries out the services of the Individualized Placement and Supports (IPS) Supported Employment program by assisting disabled adults with community job development, job placement and post-employment follow up. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Engages clients and establishes trusting collaborative relationships directed towards the goal of competitive employment in community settings. 
• Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (i.e. SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how their benefits will be affected by employment.
• Helps clients think about long-term employment or education goals, work history, strengths and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal. 
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed towards positions that are individualized to the interests of the clients, following the principles and procedures of IPS Supported Employment. 
• Conducts a minimum of 6 employer contacts per week to learn about businesses and employer needs. 
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Develops an individualized employment plan with the client and incorporating input from the mental health team. 
• Is responsible to carry a case load of 15 clients after the first six months of employment. 
• Is responsible for 8 job starts each year after the first year of employment.
• Spends at least 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community. 
• Provides education and support to family members about work. Gathers input about skills, interests and strengths of the client and ideas for supports.
• Prepares timely reports and works cooperatively with the Division of Vocation Rehabilitation (DVR) to determine eligibility for employment.
• Maintains accurate and timely clinical records consistent with Center standards.
• Participates in meetings, in-services and supervisory sessions as required.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION: 

High School Diploma or equivalent, education and experience equivalent to undergraduate degree in mental health, social services or business is preferred. 

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS: 

• Experience working with people with serious mental illness, providing employment services and knowledge of the work world are preferred.  
• Having the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries, identify strengths, and support the client right to make independent decisions when possible. 
• Knowledge of community resources and disability programs/resources. Knowledge of cultural issues that may have a bearing on service provision. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 
• Computer literacy to include basic skills in e-mail communication and word processing. 
• Ability to work as an effective team member is essential. 
• Ability to travel within the Center's service area or to other locations as needed.
• Multi-Lingual verbal and written fluency, preferred
• Experience with communication tools for hearing-impaired clients (e.g., ASL, captioning technologies) preferred