Supported Employment Specialist

Pioneer Human Services•Spokane, WA

4d•$21 - $32

About The Position

The Supported Employment Specialist provides Supported Employment services to individuals who want to work and face barriers to employment. The role supports community participation, reduces barriers, and promotes long-term vocational or educational stability through skills training, cueing, modeling, advocacy, and connection to community supports identified through person-centered assessments, individualized goal plans, and career profiles. The specialist upholds fidelity to the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and contributes to an integrated, holistic approach to care, including pre- and post-employment support. Services are delivered through a peer-informed, person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach that honors participants’ choices and self-determination. The position is part of a multidisciplinary clinical team and works with participants, employers, providers, treatment teams, workforce partners, community partners, and department leadership. It maintains timely and accurate clinical and program documentation, supports program fidelity and quality assurance, and participates in supervision, meetings, required training, and professional development. CPR and First Aid certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire or as soon as possible and maintained throughout employment. The position may occasionally transport clients and is safety-sensitive, subject to pre-employment and 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.
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 a Certified Peer Counselor credential through the Washington State Department of Health under Chapter 18.19 RCW within 30 days of employment.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Company Approved Driver requirements if driving, including minimum personal vehicle insurance when using a personal vehicle on company business and 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.
Meet program productivity standards and comply with professional, ethical, documentation, and program requirements.

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

Provide coaching, education, support, and skills training aligned with participants’ individualized employment, education, or entrepreneurship goals, career profiles, and person-centered plans.
Honor participant choice, voice, and self-determination through a peer-informed, person-centered approach.
Deliver strengths-based and trauma-informed services that support dignity, respect, empowerment, and validation of lived experience.
Develop career profiles identifying participants’ preferences, strengths, barriers, and career or occupational targets.
Help participants complete job applications, build resumes, and prepare for interviews in ways tailored to their goals and career profiles.
Provide financial education and resources related to starting and maintaining work, wage changes, and benefits.
Support rapid job searches, including direct job seeking as an alternative to extended pre-employment assessments, using individualized and diverse strategies.
Offer individualized follow-along support 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.
Engage participants as equal partners in employment decisions and reduce power imbalances through shared decision-making.
Document outcomes according to IPS Supported Employment fidelity and program guidelines.
Maintain accurate data systems, records, and reports in compliance with state, federal, and organizational 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 whether they may fit participants.
Meet regularly with employers, build job-development 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 documentation and files meet auditing and program standards, and meet productivity standards set by program leadership.
Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary clinical team and integrate employment services with behavioral health care.
Collaborate with providers, treatment teams, and community partners to support participant employment goals.
Build and maintain relationships with employers and workforce partners to expand job opportunities.
Educate employers and community partners about Supported Employment practices and participant rights.
Write clear, concise reports and correspondence.
Promote and model 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, in partnership with department leadership and Quality Assurance teams.
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.
Attend required trainings and participate as a collaborative team member and in 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, subject to driver and company requirements.