Employment Specialist

Brightli • Franklin, IN

1d

About The Position

The Employment Specialist supports individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment in pursuing competitive careers and greater independence. The position provides individualized career planning, job development, placement, and retention services while building partnerships with community employers. The specialist coaches and advocates for clients, helping them identify strengths, develop job-readiness skills, and succeed in the workplace.

This is a highly client-facing role involving regular community travel to meet clients, attend employer meetings, provide on-site job coaching, and offer employment support. A personal vehicle may be required. Candidates must maintain a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and current automobile insurance in accordance with organizational policies.

Brightli describes its mission as improving client care, reducing the financial burden on community mental health centers through shared resources, advocating for access to mental health and substance use care, and evolving behavioral health services to better meet client needs. The organization promotes belonging and connection, welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and maintains a smoke- and tobacco-free workplace.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of experience providing employment or vocational services.
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.
• Successful completion of criminal, driving, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint background checks.
• Complete New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment and all required training, including Relias, at hire and annually thereafter.
• Provide proof of being free from infectious and contagious diseases, such as TB, before hire and annually thereafter as required.
• Understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and independent living.
• Knowledge of case management and rehabilitation principles related to mental health and substance use treatment.
• Familiarity with challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders and with available community resources.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical requirements in behavioral health and vocational services.
• Ability to evaluate program services and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency with computers and software, including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and electronic documentation systems.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Treat clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with CARF and contractual standards.
• Maintain flexibility in work availability, including evenings, overnights, and weekends as needed.
• Review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational records to support individualized career planning and job development.
• Participate in treatment and planning meetings using shared decision-making to support employment goals.
• Conduct client orientations explaining services, rights, responsibilities, and disclosure options.
• Provide individualized career counseling through interviews, assessments, and community-based activities.
• Assist clients with benefits planning related to employment decisions, wages, and work hours.
• Teach and reinforce job-seeking, interviewing, and job-retention skills.
• Develop and maintain employer partnerships to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Advocate for clients with employers, families, schools, and community agencies.
• Educate employers about inclusive hiring and assist with job accommodations and workplace supports.
• Promote programs and services through employer outreach, community events, and public presentations.
• Maintain frequent communication with referral sources and identify potential referrals.
• Report job development outcomes, placements, retention progress, and concerns to leadership regularly.
• Respond to workplace- or client-related crises as they arise.
• Travel regularly to provide job development, on-site coaching, and transportation for clients as needed.
• Provide on-site or off-site job supports when required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Leadership.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 counseling, legal, and financial support for the employee and household
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Employee discounts on hotels, theme parks, attractions, and college tuition
• Initial, ongoing, and supportive professional development and training
• Advancement opportunities and internal promotions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED