Supported Employment Specialist

Pioneer Human Services • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Pioneer Human Services is seeking a Supported Employment Specialist to improve the daily lives of community members. This role is part of an organization focused on social change, rehabilitation, reintegration, and redemption for justice-involved individuals. Pioneer Human Services is a nationally recognized non-profit with over 60 years of service, operating 35+ locations across Washington state and assisting over 9,500 individuals in 2024. The position provides Supported Employment services to help individuals achieve and maintain employment, utilizing collateral contacts, skills training, cueing, modeling, and supervision based on person-centered assessments. The role integrates Individual Placement and Support (IPS) fidelity with other behavioral and social services, aiming for client independence in vocational roles. Services include identifying career targets, developing employer relationships, assisting with interviews and hiring, and providing ongoing employment support.

Requirements

• AA degree in any related field (Human services, business administration, social work, public health, criminal justice, etc.)
• 2 years’ experience working with individuals who experience behavioral health challenges
• Must obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential (Must apply within 7 days of employment)
• Be a self-identified client of behavioral health services
• Successfully pass and maintain the state certified peer counselor examination administered by the mental health division or an authorized contractor according to 18.19 RCW.
• May occasionally need to transport clients to appointments. Must have valid driver’s license, ability to meet the requirements of a Company Approved Driver including minimum personal vehicle insurance if driving a personal vehicle on Company business and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• BA/BS Degree in any related field (Human services, business administration, social work, public health, criminal justice, etc.)
• Experience with state substance use residential treatment facility services
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures

Responsibilities

• Provide Coaching, Education, support and skill-building of interpersonal relationships in the work setting.
• Provide IPS services to the fidelity model in order to assist eligible individuals obtain and maintain stable employment. Competitive employment is the goal.
• Work with the individuals on preference and choice; every Medicaid covered individual who wants to work is eligible for IPS supported employment regardless of psychiatric or other diagnosis, symptoms, work history, or other problems, including substance abuse and cognitive.
• Provide Benefits Counseling and guidance regarding Social Security, Medicaid and other governmental entitlements.
• Provide skill building as it relates to filling out applications and resume building for potential employment.
• Provide financial education and resources to inform and guide the plan for starting work and, over time, for making decisions about changes in wages and work hours to alleviate fear of work and losing benefits.
• Provide rapid job search, helping clients seek jobs directly as an alternative to providing extensive pre-employment assessment and training or intermediate work experiences.
• Follow-along supports are individualized and continued for as long as the client wants and needs the support.
• Provide support while actively researching job opportunities/support during employment.
• Demonstrates to individuals their desire to work is taken seriously and conveys optimism that there are multiple opportunities available in the community for clients to achieve their vocational goals.
• Provide job development by creating opportunities to develop relationships with employers based on the individuals work preferences by meeting face-to-face over multiple visits.
• Ensure individualized and diversity of job search.
• Ensure assertive engagement and outreach to individuals as well as potential employers.
• Document outcomes as they relate to IPS Fidelity.
• Gather information about the nature of job opportunities and assess whether they may be a good job fit for clients they are working with.
• Meet regularly with employers to developing strong partnership in job development.
• Updates and maintain data collection and reporting systems.
• Maintains records, completes state and federal required forms, maintains files, and writes reports that meet auditing requirements.
• Completes clinical documentation and required paperwork within 24 hours of the service. Documents relevant and required information and services (including peer support, case management, phone calls to providers, participants, or others, education, outreaches, referrals, etc.) provided in the identified service record (electronic or otherwise) assuring continuity of care as a tool for communication with other team members.
• Act as a member of the clinics multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure integration of employment services with the behavioral health services.
• Meet regularly with the team to review client progress to discuss clinical and rehabilitation information that is relevant to work, such as medication side effects, persistent symptoms, cognitive difficulties or other rehabilitation needs.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Promotes and models teamwork and collaboration with coworkers and clients.
• Work with Quality Assurance Team to ensure the IPS fidelity is being held to the necessary standards.
• Adheres to professional and ethical standards.
• Follow SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices for supported employment.
• Attends shift/staff meetings and actively participates in planning, coordination and communication of quality professional services.
• Attends meetings and training deemed necessary by Director as a collaborative team member.
• Attends and participates in supervision meetings.
• Becomes CPR & First Aid certified within 90 days of hire (or as soon as possible) and maintains throughout employment.

Benefits

• Medical
• Flexible spending
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• AD&D
• Disability
• Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending
• Tuition assistance (100% for bachelor's, 50% for graduate programs)
• Retirement plan (3.5% annual compensation contribution, plus 3.5% match for 6% individual contribution)
• Employee recognition programs
• Public transportation discount
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree