Employment Specialist

Newport Mental Health • Middletown, RI

7d • $52,000 - $63,000

About The Position

The Employment Specialist provides vocational rehabilitation services for designated clients using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. The role supports clients in pursuing competitive employment, educational placement, and meaningful daily structure. It involves helping clients identify and pursue goals based on their interests, strengths, skills, and abilities; addressing barriers; and providing ongoing support through career exploration, job development, and job retention. The Employment Specialist also works with employers, families, community partners, and treatment teams to support clients’ recovery plans and community integration.

This is a full-time position scheduled for 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The hiring rate is $26.67–$27.47 per hour. The stated annual salary range is $52,000–$63,000.

Newport Mental Health provides person-centered, trauma-informed, evidence-based services to children, adolescents, families, and adults addressing mental illness and substance use disorders. Its services include outreach, specialized programs, school-based therapy, community-based therapy, substance use therapy, and outpatient care.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field; the posting describes this alongside SEP certification as preferred.
• Minimum of six months of experience.
• Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery treatment planning, vocational assessment, skills training, and job placement and development.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with a variety of individuals.
• Caring and empathetic approach and a desire to help others in need.
• Self-motivated and independent, with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• SEP certification.
• Knowledge of the IPS model and evidence-based practices.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to identify and pursue employment and educational goals based on their interests, strengths, skills, and abilities.
• Help clients identify and overcome barriers to gaining or maintaining competitive employment and pursuing education.
• Provide ongoing support for career exploration, job development, and job retention.
• Network and communicate with employers and provide on-the-job support when needed.
• Conduct vocational evaluations, assessments, and career profiles.
• Help clients participate in community connections and activities that expand social networks and community integration.
• Work with clients on goals identified in their recovery plans.
• Work with families and identified supports who can contribute to clients’ recovery plans.
• Co-lead vocational groups with a peer.
• Help develop and secure new positions through liaison activities with the Office of Rehabilitation Services and community employers.
• Provide job coaching within the agency’s transitional and supported employment program.
• Collaborate with treatment teams to provide necessary case management support.

Benefits

• Three weeks of paid time off to start.
• Up to 11 paid holidays each year.
• One paid flex holiday each year.
• Separate paid personal days.
• Separate paid sick time.
• $3,000 annual bilingual pay incentive.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level