Employment Specialist-Crossville, TN

Tennessee Mental Health Consumers' Association•Crossville, TN

10d

About The Position

The Employment Specialist uses personal experience receiving mental health and/or substance abuse services to support others in recovery and help them improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and pursue their employment goals. The role involves working in office and community settings, with local and state travel; at least 65% of scheduled work hours are conducted in community settings. The specialist develops relationships with local employers, learns about businesses and job opportunities, collaborates with clients and members of their support and vocational teams, and helps clients identify and access resources. The position also develops plans aligned with each person's goals and provides timely documentation that meets requirements of funding sources.

Requirements

Must be a current or former recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services and willing to self-disclose this experience.
Must possess a current Tennessee State Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification, or be eligible and willing to pursue certification with company-provided training within six months of hire.
Must have a valid driver's license for the state listed on the applicant's home address, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
Must agree to work in office and community settings and undertake local and state travel.
Must have a clean criminal history and a clean abuse registry.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Recovery-oriented and hopeful about people's ability to succeed in employment.
Open-minded about helping people move into competitive jobs, regardless of active substance use disorders.
Believe that work can help people manage mental illness and that people learn and grow from experience.
Able to solve problems creatively, consider new information, and identify more than one possible solution.
Able to present professionally, listen well, and show interest in learning about other people.

Nice To Haves

Experience in job development and working with people with some type of disability is recommended.
One year of job development experience is recommended.
Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Build relationships with employers through multiple visits and learn about their businesses, hiring practices, and preferences.
Investigate the local business community to identify employers and types of jobs available.
Interview clients to learn about their employment preferences, past experiences, hopes, and concerns.
Collaborate with mental health practitioners, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, family members, and other vocational unit members.
Use a strengths-based approach that recognizes each person's skills, experiences, and values in support of employment.
Help clients find and access resources, including work-incentive planning and transportation.
Use problem-solving approaches in challenging or difficult situations.
Conduct work in community settings for at least 65% of scheduled work hours.
Develop person-specific plans aligned with each person's goals and include steps to meet those goals.
Provide timely documentation meeting the requirements of funding sources, including Vocational Rehabilitation and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.