Supported Employment Specialist

Pioneer Human Services•Spokane, WA

About The Position

Pioneer Human Services is seeking a Supported Employment Specialist to provide services to people who want to work and face barriers to employment. The role supports community participation, reduces employment barriers, and promotes long-term vocational or educational stability through skills training, coaching, advocacy, and connection to community supports. Services are guided by a person-centered assessment, individualized goal plan, and career profile, and include both pre- and post-employment support. The specialist follows the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and contributes to integrated care focused on employment, health, and community transitions. The specialist works with participants to identify and pursue individualized employment, education, or entrepreneurship goals; builds relationships with employers and workforce partners; and coordinates with behavioral health providers, treatment teams, and community organizations. The role requires accurate and timely documentation, adherence to program and clinical standards, participation in supervision and training, and maintenance of required credentials. The position may occasionally involve transporting clients to appointments. Pioneer is a nonprofit organization serving justice-involved individuals, with more than 35 locations across Washington state.

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 made within seven days of employment.
Possess or be able to pursue and obtain a Certified Peer Counselor credential through the Washington Department of Health under 18.19 RCW within 30 days of employment.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Company Approved Driver requirements, including minimum personal vehicle insurance when driving 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 Department of Health.
Ability to meet program productivity, documentation, ethical, and IPS Supported Employment fidelity standards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s 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 for individualized employment, education, or entrepreneurship goals, guided by each participant’s career profile and person-centered plan.
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 uphold dignity, respect, empowerment, and participants’ lived experience.
Develop career profiles identifying participant preferences, strengths, barriers, and career or occupational targets.
Help participants complete job applications, build resumes, and prepare for interviews in alignment with their career profiles and goals.
Provide financial education and resources related to starting and maintaining work, changes in wages, and benefits.
Support rapid job search, including helping participants seek jobs directly rather than relying on extended pre-employment assessments.
Offer individualized follow-along support for as long as the participant desires.
Model hope and communicate that competitive employment and career growth are achievable.
Develop job opportunities and employer relationships based on participant preferences; use rapid, individualized, and diverse job-search strategies.
Engage participants as equal partners in their employment journey and promote shared decision-making.
Document outcomes in accordance with IPS Supported Employment fidelity and program guidelines; maintain accurate data, records, and reports required by state, federal, and organizational standards.
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 search activities, applications, resumes, benefits counseling, and participant progress; ensure files meet auditing and program standards.
Meet productivity standards established 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, community partners, employers, and workforce partners to support participant goals and expand job opportunities.
Educate employers and community partners about Supported Employment practices and participant rights.
Write clear, concise reports and correspondence; promote teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Partner with department leadership and Quality Assurance teams to support fidelity to IPS Supported Employment standards and monitor service delivery for adherence to person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices.
Follow professional and ethical standards and keep required credentials in good standing and current with the Washington Department of Health.
Attend staff meetings, participate in planning and coordination, complete required training, and participate in regular supervision.
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 opportunities as budget allows, with a goal of at least two trainings or conferences per year.
Occasionally transport clients to appointments, subject to driver and vehicle requirements.