EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - CCSEP

Neighborhood House Association•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Neighborhood House Association is a non-profit organization. Head Start positions are funded in whole or in part by money provided through the State and Federal Government. Additionally, some Social Service Program positions may be funded in whole or in part through grant funds. Because positions and salaries may be funded through grants, and State and Federal funds ongoing employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. Neighborhood House Association (NHA) Career Core Supported Employment Program (CCSEP) helps active adult and Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) job seekers with a qualifying behavioral health diagnosis, find and secure competitive employment using the evidence-based Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model. The Employment Specialist will provide employment services to clients of the Career Core Supported Employment Program that is compliant with the Independent Placement Support (IPS) model. The Employment Specialist will collaborate with clients and other staff to provide effective supported employment services to clients who are seeking employment and assist in other roles of the Employment Specialist position.

Requirements

Ability to plan and organize efficiently and demonstrate positive, professional, and tactful communication skills.
Knowledge of needs of people with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders and community resources.
Demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation to support clients in their recovery goals.
Knowledge of serious and persistent mental illnesses, co-occurring disorders, bio-psychosocial rehabilitation principles, evidence-based practices for recovery programs
Ability to communicate in a positive, professional, and tactful manner, exercise tact, objectivity and sensitivity when dealing with clients and staff
Knowledge of relevant software and ability to use Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel).
Completion of two years education post high school and one (1) year experience as an IPS Specialist or an employment specialist or related experience.
A clear TB test required upon hire and must be maintained every four years.
Knowledge of cultural issues, values and beliefs of the target population of adults with SMI background, homelessness and co-occurring disorders, relevant to providing appropriate program services.

Nice To Haves

Applicant with lived experience preferred.
IPS Peer or IPS Certification or Peer Support Specialist Certification preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
A valid Class B California Driver’s License with passenger endorsement within 6 months of hire

Responsibilities

Maintain a minimum caseload of 20 active job seekers by conducting vocational support groups and classes and manage, collect, and enter data and information in IPS tracking tool and maintain records for tracking client progress.
Establish linkages with potential employers, community partners, and maintain directory of employers relevant to clients' preferences and common work experiences and attend meetings, training, workshop pertaining to responsibilities and duties to ensure that at least 6 face-to-face employer contacts per week per client are achieved.
Utilize a strengths-based approach when serving clients by recognizing each person’s skills, experiences, and values that support attainment of competitive employment.
Writes person-specific plans that are congruent with each person’s goals and provides accurate information and assists with informed decision making.
Provides on-time and regular face-to-face contact with clients to provide time-unlimited follow-along supports
Actively participate in individual or one on one supervision, vocational unit meetings and multidisciplinary team to advocate and discuss challenges.
Knowledge of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) practices, and Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).

Benefits

15 Holidays Days
401(K) Retirement 6% Match
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Tuition Reimbursement up $2,500
2 Personal Days
Group Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Agency-Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Live Well Program
4 Paid Days Annual Bereavement (Note Total of 5 days of bereavement leave per loss)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
Voluntary Benefits: Life and AD&D Accident, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance
Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Medical and dental benefits are provided to regular employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week.