Supported Employment and Education Specialist

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Vanderbilt Psychiatry Early Psychosis Program is looking to fill an exciting position that provides an array of professional experiences including professional networking, clinical exposure to severe populations, and a chance to work with world-renowned researchers & clinicians. Overall Function: Carries out the services of the Supported Employment program by assisting clients to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. Provides support for schooling and technical training for career advancement. Blends these services with case management supports when necessary. Works collaboratively with a team of clinicians to promote recovery for each individual patient.

Requirements

Education and/or experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, or business is required.
Passion and high comfort level working with early psychosis population is required.
The ability to work as an effective team member and to demonstrate non-judgmental compassion toward each client is essential.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize are required.
Flexibility and adaptability are essential for this position, as it includes heavy contact with both a clinical population and the Nashville business community.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred, knowledge & connections with Nashville resources and businesses is a plus.

Responsibilities

Engages clients in establishing trusting, collaborative relationships directed with thetoward the goal of helping them obtain competitive employment in community job settings.
Develops an individual employment and/or education plan with clients and. Iincorporates input from mental health team and family members, with client permission.
Spends a majority (50%) of scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meeting clients at their homes, workplaces, coffee shops, libraries, college campuses, etc.
Provides transportation to job interviews, classes, and/or other pertinent relevant appointments.
Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward for positions that are individualized tobased on the interests and uniqueness of the people each person on his/her caseload.
Conducts weekly face-to-face employer meetings to learn about the needs of individual businesses.
Helps clients learn about different jobs/careers by setting up informational interviews with managers, meetings with academic advisors, observing workers, and attending job fairs to speak with employers about different types of employment.
May Negotiates job accommodations and assists with obtaining appropriate documentation.
Provides rigorous outreach services as necessary to clients who have disengaged from the services.
Assists clients in learning about different education and vocational training programs related to client interests and academic aptitudes.
Provides support with financial aid including the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), understanding loan obligations, applying for scholarships, obtaining tools, equipment and computers.
Offers supports prior to the beginning of education programs including accompanying new students on campus/school tours, buying books or supplies, applying for services with the Office of Disability Services, signing up for seminars on effective study skills, discussing where to study between classes, etc.
When needed, provides support in how to meet basic living needs, such as housing or budgeting.
When needed, accompanies clients to important appointments at other agencies, such as the Social Security Office or DMV.
With the client's permission, collaborates with family members to provide extra support.
Participates in weekly meetings with mental health treatment team (psychiatrists, psychotherapists, peer recovery specialist, etc.) and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate vocational services with mental health treatment.
Provides rigorous outreach services as necessary to clients who have disengaged from the services.
Collects monthly & quarterly employment data for stakeholders and research projects.