Employment Specialist - Supported Employment Program

GANG ALTERNATIVE INC•North Miami Beach, FL

20d•$45,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Specialist will ensure that referred clients to the ENGAGE program in South Florida’s Tri-County Area (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties) focus on a client-based population that requires integrated analysis of job development and career path guidance and placement. The Employment Specialist will ensure that referred clients to the ENGAGE program in South Florida’s Tri-County Area (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties) focus on a client-based population that requires integrated analysis of job development and career path guidance and placement.

Requirements

Bachelors in, Business, Data Management, or related field; Education and experience equivalent to undergraduate degree in mental health or social services, business, personnel management, or vocational services.
At least 2 years’ experience working with people with serious mental illnesses, experience with vocational services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to take a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Ability to work with and engage individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Must possess proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to successfully navigate through the Internet, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applicable software.
Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely.
Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the public.
This position will require occasional independent travel between headquarters and training and meeting venues. Must have access to a licensed, insured personal vehicle at all times during work hours for reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursement will be provided for the use of personal vehicles as part of work-related travel.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual (English-Spanish or English-Haitian Creole) preferred.
Previous experience as an employment specialist helping people with serious mental illnesses obtain and sustain competitive employment is desired.
Prior experience using assessment tools to help clients during their interviewing process preferred.
Experience with Motivational Interviewing preferred.
Prior experience as an employment specialist in South Florida market preferred.

Responsibilities

Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated job settings.
Assesses consumers’ vocational functioning on ongoing basis.
Following SE principles and procedures, helps clients in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with consumers’ needs and interests.
Provides individualized, time-unlimited, follow-along services to help clients sustain employment.
Based on agreement with consumers, provides education and support to employers, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with employers.
Provides outreach services to consumers, as necessary, when they appear to disengage from SE services.
Maintains contact with clients even without a vocational focus to sustain engagement.
Prepares reports client case load to inform progress and issues.
Ensure program operations and activities adhere to legal guidelines and internal policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Serves as an Ambassador of Gang Alternative, Inc.
Implement employability skills training with performance excellence and contract compliance.