Employment Specialist

Job DescriptionJob Description:

Job Title: Employment Specialist Job Code: EMPSPEC Department: Kanvwotiyi Division: Behavioral Health Salary Level: Exempt 1 Reports to: Kanvwotiyi Clinical Manager Last Revised: January 2024 Primary Function Network with local employers to develop relationships to ensure employment opportunities for clients of Analenisgi residential programs. Provide individual and group employment services for individuals with substance abuse and/or psychiatric symptoms. Ensure access to quality employments services for individuals. Provide input into programming for residential services. Lead classes as needed. Job Description Direct Service FunctionsWork closely with community employers, Division of Workforce Solutions, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Tribal VR to identify positions that may be available, and build a network of local employers by making systematic contacts.Develop and maintain employment opportunities through enclaves or work units working with local employers for contracted services.Provide assistance in choosing, acquiring and maintaining competitive paid employment in the community for clients.Provide direct employment services to individuals on an individual and group basis at Kanvwotiyi and Men’s and Women’s Residential Support Homes. Services provided promote informed choice, are individualized and person-centered, and promote self-determination, recovery, resiliency, and self-sufficiency.Provide information on benefits of working, including linking clients to benefits specialists to evaluate how SSI and/or Medicaid benefits may be affected by work.Continually assessing clients’ vocational skills and preferences on ongoing basis utilizing career/educational goals, tools available in the industry, background information and work experiences. With the client’s permission, provides information and support to family members. Discusses client’s preference for disclosure for mental health status to employers.Explores different jobs/careers with client by assisting them with meetings with potential supervisors/managers regarding positions the client is interested in as well as meeting with academic advisors, attending job fairs and arranging opportunities to observe positions being facilitated when appropriate.Collaborate with client to develop a Job Support Plan that is designed to identify the supports the client needs to succeed in the job of their choice. The Job Support Plan will include data from family members (with client permission) and Mental Health team and identify who is providing the supports needed. The plan will be adjusted according to clients’ needs and preferences.Assists clients in learning about different education and vocational training programs related to client interests and academic aptitudes. Focused on mainstream education and certificate training programs.Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients. May negotiate job accommodations and follow-along contact with the employer. Facilitates job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the client’s being served. Spends 30% or more of their scheduled work hours in the community in an effort to support the client and connect them to employment opportunities. Works with the client to address barriers to employment, such as criminal background, lack of work history, child care, housing, or transportation.Assisting clients with exploring self-employment options, such as writing a business plan and accessing community supports.Facilitate small groups and classes at Kanvwotiyi and the Men’s and Women’s Residential Support Homes.Document all treatment and clinically significant events for the medical record in the manner prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures.Follow all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, JCAHO, CFR 42, or other licensing bodies. Attend clinical staffing as an integral component of a treatment team, facilitating the discussion of patient data, and formulating changes to the treatment plan.Provide care coordination and case management functions for clients as needed.Provide direct assistance as needed for clients accessing recovery programs, and assist individuals to develop recovery management plans, specifically employment goals.Works as part of a team with the Kanvwotiyi and Men’s and Womens Residential Support Homes leadership to plan and conduct recovery support activities in the community.Provide written, telephone, and face to face consultation services to various persons and organizations which affect clients including physicians, hospitals, medical care providers, law enforcement officers, social services and community agencies hospitals, schools, courts, probation officers.Provide regular “check-ups” via telephone and in person to clients to further engage them in employment services and to assist in relapse prevention.Make effective use of clinical supervision and consultation.Participate in community planning and implementation of programs to help resolve such complex issues as improving coordination of services or developing programs to serve the community.Obtain continuing education as needed through in-service training and through access and tuition payment for approved training seminars and workshops. Direct service productivity standards may be required for this position. Administrative FunctionsWork closely with the Kanvwotiyi, and Men’s and Women’s Home Residential Support Homes Leadership to develop and manage the programming, activities, and class schedule.Collect data and provide regular reports for department, executive management and CIHA board use.Represent CIHA in the community by serving in various meetings and workgroups as directed.Monitor outcomes and make adjustments as needed to maximize positive outcomes for individuals.Ensure use of evidenced based and emerging best practice in all recovery services.Ensure Cherokee Culture is recognized and affirmed in recovery services.Ensure appropriate use of cultural and alternative healing practices.Support and facilitate access to 12 step groups, informal, community and faith-based services.Support and facilitate access to GED and other educational services which will benefit clients.Support and facilitate access to family support groups and programs.Promptly review and respond to any incidents or complaints according to CIHA policy. Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications Required: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree Valid Driver’s license Preferred QualificationsSpecific experience working with the Native American population; experience in Recovery Services; experience with working with individuals with a substance use disorder and mental health challengesExperience working with Peer Support services;NC Certified Peer Support Specialists certification.Those who meet criteria for Qualified Professional. Job Knowledge Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical record and other software such as Microsoft office programs, and email.Considerable originality and initiative are required in the daily performance of tasks.Basic knowledge of principles, techniques, and practices of social work, social policy, services and supports which are effective for recovery from substance abuse and psychiatric symptoms.Basic knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral and psychosocial problems and their treatment.Considerable knowledge of the methods and principles of recovery and person-centered thinking.Basic knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.Basic knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies, which govern the program.Basic Knowledge of harm reduction approaches to care.Basic knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and their treatment.Basic knowledge of substance abuse to include diagnostic criteria for abuse, dependence, intoxication and withdrawal of all drug classifications, methods of evaluation and assessment, impact of mental illness on patient’s ability to negotiate treatment recommendations, current treatment approaches, modalities of care, and substance abuse and other programs or services available to patients.Skill in establishing rapport, and appropriate respectful relationships with clients and families.Ability to determine appropriate boundaries with clients, and maintain professional ethics in all situations.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues of other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources and organizations in the community.Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.Knowledge of educational and job training systems.Willingness to learn more about State/Federal/Tribal systems of care and support.Ability to ascertain the potential lethality of a situation and respond and refer accordingly. Complexity of Duties This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions when a precedent is not available. Duties require the application of judgment and problem-solving skills in order to be effective. Judgment may involve decisions that may have life or death results. Supervision Received Works under the direct guidance of the Kanvwotiyi Clinical Manager where goals, objectives, policies, and procedures are defined but require judgment in application. Works independently within scope of practice where latitude for creative thinking, initiative and discretion are given to achieve department goals and objectives. Will receive regular clinical supervision from the Kanvwotiyi Clinical Manager and others. Responsibility for Accuracy Failure to provide adequate clinical services or to properly manage and direct activities could result in poor client outcomes, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources. Accuracy of data and research is critical in the allocation of tribal resources. Employee is responsible for the adherence to policy and procedure. Inappropriate actions or inaccuracies in judgment could result in improper diagnosis and treatment, serious liability for the tribe, or serious health risks to patients. Contacts with Others Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, and other health professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards and advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality are required when dealing with patients and families. Confidential Data The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to patient records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost integrity to safe guard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations. Mental/Visual/Physical Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times given the complexity of the duties, management and supervision of staff and the clinical areas being addressed with the people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods of time. Some physical exertion and stamina is required such as required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30lbs.Position requires: stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); talk or hear (over 2/3 time).Weight lifted or force exerted: none.Special vision requirements: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less). Environment The employee will work in a variety of environments including hospital, outpatient clinic and job sites across the community. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions. Some travel is required. Infrequent overnight travel may be required for meetings or to attend training. Customer Service Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service

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