Supported Employment Specialist

Northwest Regional Council•Mt. Vernon, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington. NWRC’s slogan: “Human services with you at the center” encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. We are seeking applicants for a Supported Employment Specialist. NWRC’s values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC. The Supported Employment Program assists in providing community-based support to individuals with disabilities and behavioral health conditions to support them in obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. Supported Employment Specialists provide support by meeting with participants in the community and at worksites, assisting with job development and applications, coordinating with employers and treatment teams, and providing on-the-job support. They also complete required documentation, track outcomes, and ensure services are delivered in accordance with program and funding requirements.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field and 1 year of experience providing direct human services to clients, preferably in a supported employment or community setting OR Bachelor's Degree in an equivalent field and at least 2 years of experience providing direct human services to clients, preferably in a supported employment or community setting OR An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and ability to perform the work.
Demonstrated ability to assess client health and functional status, understand and develop appropriate plans and make clear and concise recommendations.
Demonstrates an ability to engage with communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
Demonstrates an understanding of institutional barriers to services.
Demonstrated ability, willingness and commitment to support an environment that advocates and creates a sense of belonging for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
Knowledge of the local providers, services and resources, as well as the formal and informal support networks available in the service area.
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
Ability to work independently, with good judgment and a minimum of supervision.
Ability to plan, prioritize and coordinate work assignments and/or projects.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community agencies, employers, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
Ability to defuse difficult situations recognizing the need for sensitivity as well as assertiveness.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Must have a valid driver's license, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor or Certified Employment Support Professional credentialing preferred.

Responsibilities

Meeting with participants in the community and at worksites
Assisting with job development and applications
Coordinating with employers and treatment teams
Providing on-the-job support
Completing required documentation
Tracking outcomes
Ensuring services are delivered in accordance with program and funding requirements

Benefits

100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options
100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)
100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents
Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options
Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity
Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month
13 Paid Holidays Annually
3 Paid Wellness Days Annually
Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
Alternative Work Schedules
Hybrid Work Environment
NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.