Employment Specialist: Willow house- 7321

CHR Career•Enfield, CT

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Specialist works at Willow House, a five-bed, co-ed, 24-hour staffed intensive mental health program for young adults ages 18–25 in a group home setting. The program helps residents build independent living skills and pursue educational or vocational goals while managing their mental health needs, with the goal of supporting independent community living. The position assesses employment and educational needs, collaborates with clients on individualized, person-centered treatment plans, and documents progress. The Employment Specialist uses motivational and stage-wise interventions to support clients’ recovery goals and develops relationships with community employers to create employment opportunities. Depending on program expectations, the role may also include linking clients with natural and community supports, developing crisis plans, responding to crises with other staff, teaching independent living and self-management skills, and participating in family education and support activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, rehabilitation, or occupational therapy.
At least 2 years of experience working with individuals with substance abuse and/or co-occurring mental health issues.
At least 6 months of experience in employment/education and/or psychosocial rehabilitation.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Advocacy Unlimited Recovery Support Certification is recommended for individuals who identify as having a mental illness or substance abuse.
Individuals who identify themselves as having a mental illness or substance abuse are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments to identify employment and educational needs.
Collaborate with individuals to create individualized, person-centered treatment plans and document client progress during treatment.
Use motivational and stage-wise interventions to help clients meet goals and progress in recovery.
Build rapport with community employers and develop a network of employment opportunities.
Maintain documentation in compliance with agency and program standards.
Participate in staff meetings, supervision, trainings, and other assigned meetings.
Link individuals with natural supports, such as family and friends, or community supports, as required by program expectations.
Develop client crisis plans and work with other staff to respond to crisis situations as needed.
Teach skills such as obtaining and maintaining housing and utilities; using transportation; planning and preparing nutritious meals; communicating with family and friends; staying safe in the community; caring for children and other family members; and solving everyday problems.
Provide intensive skill-building interventions and support for self-management, self-advocacy, health and well-being, relapse prevention, and use of community resources.
Participate in family education and support activities.
Perform additional duties as required.

Benefits

Health insurance.
Paid time off, including a birthday benefit.
Employer contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan.
Competitive insurance premiums and discounts on pet, home, and auto insurance.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs, including tuition discounts at local colleges and universities.
Career development opportunities.
Free training curriculum, including a Clinical Training Series.
Clinical supervision and/or mentoring at several programs.
Wellness program with an annual wellness stipend and a free premium Calm app subscription.
Six free confidential counseling sessions through the Employee Assistance Program.
Employee appreciation and involvement activities, including contests, lunch-and-learns, appreciation events, and employee-led resource groups.