Supported Employment Specialist

Pioneer Human Services•Seattle, WA

1d•$26 - $39

About The Position

Pioneer Human Services is seeking a Supported Employment Specialist to provide employment services to people who want to work and are experiencing barriers to employment. The role supports community participation, reduces employment barriers, and promotes long-term vocational or educational stability through skills training, cueing, modeling, advocacy, and connections to community supports identified in each participant’s person-centered assessment, individualized goal plan, and career profile. The specialist follows the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and contributes to integrated care intended to improve employment, health, and community-transition outcomes. The position provides both pre- and post-employment support, including individualized coaching, rapid job search, job development, employer engagement, and follow-along services for as long as a participant desires. Services are peer-informed, person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, with an emphasis on participant choice, dignity, self-determination, and shared decision-making. The specialist documents services and outcomes, maintains accurate records in accordance with applicable requirements, and works with behavioral health providers, treatment teams, employers, workforce partners, department leadership, and Quality Assurance to support participant goals and program fidelity. New hires typically start at $26.00–$32.50 per hour, depending on factors including location, experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, internal equity, and market conditions. The role may occasionally require transporting clients to appointments and is designated safety-sensitive, subject to pre-employment and during-employment drug testing, including marijuana testing.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field, such as human services, business administration, social work, public health, or criminal justice, or an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience.
At least two years of experience working with individuals who experience behavioral health challenges.
Obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential; application must be submitted within seven days of employment.
Possess or be able to pursue and obtain the Certified Peer Counselor credential through Washington State Department of Health under RCW 18.19 within 30 days of employment.
If driving for company business, have a valid driver’s license, meet Company Approved Driver requirements, maintain minimum personal vehicle insurance when using a personal vehicle, and have an acceptable driving record.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 90 days of hire, or as soon as possible, and maintain it throughout employment.
Maintain required credentials in good standing and up to date with the Washington State Department of Health.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a related field, such as human services, business administration, social work, public health, or criminal justice.
Experience with services in a state substance use residential treatment facility.
Experience working with people from diverse cultures.

Responsibilities

Coach, educate, support, and build skills related to participants’ individualized employment, education, or entrepreneurship goals, guided by their career profiles and person-centered plans.
Honor participant choice, voice, and self-determination in vocational decisions using a peer-informed, person-centered approach.
Provide strengths-based and trauma-informed services that support dignity, respect, empowerment, and validation of lived experience.
Develop career profiles identifying participants’ preferences, strengths, career targets, and barriers.
Help participants complete applications, build resumes, and prepare for interviews in ways tailored to their goals and career profiles.
Provide financial education and resources concerning starting and maintaining work, wage changes, and benefits.
Support rapid job searches, including seeking jobs directly as an alternative to extended pre-employment assessments.
Offer individualized follow-along supports for as long as participants desire.
Model hope and communicate that competitive employment and career growth are achievable.
Develop job opportunities and employer relationships based on participant preferences, using rapid, individualized, and diverse job-search strategies.
Engage participants as equal partners in their employment journeys and promote shared decision-making.
Document outcomes related to IPS Supported Employment fidelity and program guidelines; maintain accurate records, data systems, and reports in compliance with applicable requirements.
Complete clinical documentation and paperwork as soon as practicable after services, no later than 24–48 hours afterward.
Gather information about job opportunities and assess their potential fit for participants.
Meet regularly with employers, develop partnerships, and maintain an employer outreach tracker or log.
Maintain records of services, job searches, applications, resumes, benefits counseling, and participant progress toward career goals; ensure files meet audit and program standards.
Meet productivity standards set by program leadership.
Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary clinical team and integrate employment services with behavioral health care.
Collaborate with providers, treatment teams, and community partners to support participants’ employment goals.
Build relationships with employers and workforce partners to expand job opportunities.
Educate employers and community partners about Supported Employment practices and participant rights.
Write clear and concise reports and correspondence.
Promote teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect with coworkers, participants, and community partners.
Monitor service delivery for adherence to person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based practices and IPS Supported Employment standards, partnering with department leadership and Quality Assurance as needed.
Adhere to professional and ethical standards and keep required credentials in good standing and up to date with the Washington State Department of Health.
Attend staff meetings and participate in planning, coordination, and delivery of quality services.
Complete required trainings, participate as a collaborative team member, and attend regular supervision meetings.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 90 days of hire, or as soon as possible, and maintain certification throughout employment.
Participate in continuing education and professional development as budget allows, with a goal of at least two trainings or conferences per year.
Occasionally transport clients to appointments when needed, subject to company-approved driver requirements.