Supported Employment Specialist
About The Position
The Supported Employment Specialist carries out the services of the Individualized Placement and Supports (IPS) Supported Employment program, assisting disabled adults with community job development, job placement, and post-employment follow-up. The role supports clients in pursuing competitive employment in community settings and provides individualized assistance based on their interests, strengths, and goals. The specialist develops employment plans with clients and input from the mental health team, provides follow-along supports to help clients maintain employment, and works with families, employers, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The position requires spending at least 65% of scheduled work hours in the community. After the first six months, the specialist carries a caseload of 15 clients; after the first year, the role is responsible for eight job starts annually.
Requirements
- Possess one or more of the following: CARF accreditation in Community Employment Services; RSAS accreditation; a bachelor's degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, special education, or a closely related field; or a nationally recognized supported employment training certificate or certification.
- At least one year of full-time work experience providing satisfactory job placement services.
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries, identify strengths, and support clients' right to make independent decisions when possible.
- Knowledge of community resources and disability programs and resources.
- Knowledge of cultural issues that may affect service provision.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer literacy, including basic email and word-processing skills.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member.
- Ability to travel within the Center's service area or to other locations as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with people with serious mental illness.
- Experience providing employment services.
- Knowledge of the work world.
Responsibilities
- Engage clients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships focused on competitive employment in community settings.
- Assist clients in obtaining information about benefits such as SSI and Medicaid and understanding how employment may affect those benefits.
- Help clients consider long-term employment or education goals, work history, strengths, and other factors relevant to a current vocational goal.
- Conduct job development and job search activities for positions individualized to clients' interests, following IPS Supported Employment principles and procedures.
- Make at least six employer contacts per week to learn about businesses and employer needs.
- Provide individualized follow-along supports to help clients maintain employment.
- Develop an individualized employment plan with the client, incorporating input from the mental health team.
- Carry a caseload of 15 clients after the first six months of employment.
- Achieve eight job starts each year after the first year of employment.
- Spend at least 65% of total scheduled work hours in the community.
- Provide education and support to family members about work, and gather their input about the client's skills, interests, strengths, and possible supports.
- Prepare timely reports and work cooperatively with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to determine employment eligibility.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical records consistent with Center standards.
- Participate in meetings, in-services, and supervisory sessions as required.
- Perform other job duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
