Supported Employment Specialist

Centennial Mental Health Center•Fort Morgan, CO

12h

About The Position

The Supported Employment Specialist carries out services for the Individualized Placement and Supports (IPS) Supported Employment program. The role assists disabled adults with community job development, job placement, and post-employment follow-up, with the goal of supporting competitive employment in community settings. The specialist builds collaborative relationships with clients, supports individualized employment planning, and coordinates with mental health teams, families, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The position requires at least 65% of scheduled work hours in the community. After the first six months, the specialist carries a caseload of 15 clients; after the first year, the role is responsible for eight job starts annually. Salary is $22.12–$26.56 per hour.

Requirements

Possess one or more of the following: CARF accreditation in Community Employment Services; RSAS accreditation; a bachelor's degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, special education, or a closely related field; or a nationally recognized supported employment training certificate or certification.
One year or more of full-time work experience providing satisfactory job placement services.
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries, identify strengths, and support clients’ right to make independent decisions when possible.
Knowledge of community resources and disability programs or resources.
Knowledge of cultural issues that may affect service provision.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Computer literacy, including basic email communication and word processing skills.
Ability to work effectively as a team member.
Ability to travel within the Center's service area or to other locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with people with serious mental illness.
Experience providing employment services.
Knowledge of the work world.

Responsibilities

Engage clients and establish trusting collaborative relationships focused on competitive employment in community settings.
Help clients obtain information about benefits, including SSI and Medicaid, and understand how employment may affect those benefits.
Help clients consider long-term employment or education goals, work history, strengths, and other factors relevant to vocational goals.
Conduct individualized job development and job search activities in accordance with IPS Supported Employment principles and procedures.
Conduct a minimum of six employer contacts per week to learn about businesses and employer needs.
Provide individualized follow-along support to help clients maintain employment.
Develop individualized employment plans with clients and incorporate input from the mental health team.
Carry a caseload of 15 clients after the first six months of employment.
Achieve eight job starts each year after the first year of employment.
Spend at least 65% of total scheduled work hours in the community.
Provide education and support to family members about work.
Gather information about clients’ skills, interests, strengths, and potential support needs.
Prepare timely reports and work cooperatively with DVR to determine employment eligibility.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in accordance with Center standards.
Participate in meetings, in-services, and supervisory sessions as required.
Perform other job duties as assigned.