Employment Specialist

Mental Health America Of Northern Kentucky And Southwest Ohio•Newport, KY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health and overall wellness through a variety of services including prevention, education, and direct care. The organization is an affiliate of Mental Health America and has a long history of advocacy and service delivery. The Supported Employment Specialist role is an engaging position focused on assisting clients with mental health and/or substance use disorders in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment aligned with their vocational goals. This role involves working collaboratively with a team of Supported Employment Specialists and community partners.

Requirements

A high school diploma
Experience working in a mental health field, employment services and/or substance use treatment
A valid driver's license, maintain current automobile insurance, and be able to travel as required.
Ability to be self-motivated, accountable, and able to manage schedule and work responsibilities independently.
Completion of Kentucky SE CORE Training Series required at time of hire or within 3-6 months of hire

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a Human Services or Business field is preferred

Responsibilities

Work with staff, Supported Employment team, and community partners including the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to assess participant needs and determine participant goal activities.
Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits (SSI/Medicaid/Etc.) and how they will be affected by employment for participants to make good employment decisions; refer participants to benefits counseling as needed.
Assess clients' vocational functioning on a continuous basis utilizing background information and work experiences; with client permission provide education and support to family members; discuss client preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers.
Provide individualized support to assist clients in maintaining employment.
Develop individual employment and job support plans with the client, mental health workers, other treatment team providers, family members, past employment experiences and information about current employment when applicable.
Provide supported education, utilizing principles like supported employment for participants who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the individuals on the caseload following the principles and procedures of supported employment.
Conduct weekly employer contacts to learn about the needs of businesses (hiring practices and preferences), describe support offered by the program, and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.