Employment Specialist

Community Access • New York, NY

10d

About The Position

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT). Program Description Howie the Harp Advocacy Center (HTH), which is run by professionals who have personal experience with the mental health system, offers an array of services that help individuals with mental health concerns find meaningful, permanent employment and develop careers, primarily in human services. All HTH programs are based on the core values of self-determination and peer expertise. Through the Comprehensive Peer Training Program, Assisted Competitive Employment Program (ACE), and other initiatives, the Academy offers a wide range of services including training, internship experience, job placement and support, and continuing education services. The Assisted Competitive Employment (ACE) program provides Supported Employment services, utilizing the evidence-based model, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for people in mental health recovery. Employment search and support is solely based on the goals and preferences of participants. We work in collaboration with participants’ recovery teams, employers and other supports to help ensure success. The length of stay in the program is a maximum of 24 months from the date of enrollment for each individual program participant. Position Overview The Employment Specialist provides person-centered employment support including job preparation and search, job development, placement, and job retention coaching to ACE participants. Through a customized array of services delivered both on site and in the field the Employment Specialist develops connections to community employers and provides support and skill development toward success and satisfaction in the participant’s chosen field of employment.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Ability to create and foster empathic, professional and respectful relationships between yourself and other people, required
• Strong computer, organizational, and documentation skills, required
• At least three years of experience working in mental health services, preferably employment, peer support, or rehabilitation setting, preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to network and develop jobs and internship sites, required.
• A commitment to upholding the philosophy, mission, and values of Community Access and Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, required
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the NYS Justice Center.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically cloud-based data management programs, and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Show initiative and be responsible for following through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.

Nice To Haves

• bachelor’s degree, preferred.
• Peer identity, i.e. lived experience of mental health concerns (past or present), preferred.
• Howie The Harp Peer Training Program graduate, preferred
• Training/group facilitation experience, preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of benefits, entitlements, or work incentives, preferred
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees