Employment Vocational Specialist

KLAMATH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER•Klamath Falls, OR

3d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Join our KBBH team and find meaningful work, inspiring colleagues, career growth, great compensation, and excellent benefits. Located in beautiful Southern Oregon. Join an outstanding multi-disciplinary team including an on-staff psychiatric team and licensed clinical staff. Klamath Basin Behavioral Health is an accredited NHSC facility. The NHSC Loan Repayment Program is open to licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers who are employed by accredited sites. Are you passionate about helping individuals achieve independence through meaningful employment? Join our team as an Employment Vocational Specialist and play a key role in supporting individuals with serious and persistent mental illness in securing competitive jobs and educational opportunities while fostering long-term success in the community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field or a combination of at least three years of relevant work, education, training, or experience.
Must meet Oregon State (OARS) requirements and maintain certification as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) through MHACBO.
Valid Oregon driver’s license with an insurable driving record and personal automobile insurance for transporting clients or conducting agency business.
Expertise in Vocational Support: Strong understanding of employment counseling, job coaching, and career development strategies for individuals with mental health challenges.
Collaboration & Communication: Work effectively with clients, employers, educational institutions, and community partners to promote successful employment outcomes.
Problem Solving & Adaptability: Address employment barriers with innovative solutions and adapt to changing client needs.
Commitment to Recovery-Oriented Care: Promote dignity, independence, and empowerment in every client interaction.
Strong Organizational & Documentation Skills: Ensure compliance with all reporting and documentation requirements while maintaining professional and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

Conduct career profile assessments and facilitate job development using the evidence-based Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model to help clients secure competitive employment.
Guide clients through every stage of employment, from job search and application to workplace integration and long-term success.
Assist clients in pursuing educational goals to enhance career opportunities.
Provide individualized support, including insurance and benefits application, medical care coordination, social security benefits, personal budgeting, and representative payee services.
Equip clients with essential life skills, such as medication management, hygiene, nutrition, communication, socialization, and budgeting to foster independence and recovery.
Educate and support families and community partners to strengthen client recovery and integration.
Utilize de-escalation techniques and empathic listening to support individuals experiencing high-risk symptoms and ensure their safety and well-being.
Provide or coordinate transportation for clients to attend job interviews, work, and essential appointments.
Ensure all internal and external documentation is completed accurately and on time while maintaining a professional tone.
Effectively prioritize tasks, respond to urgent needs, and manage work schedules efficiently to meet program goals.