Employment Specialist

General Summary:

Supported Employment Specialists support individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain competitive employment in community settings. As a member of the ACT team, they conduct all phases of vocational services including engagement, assessment, job search, job development, and job support. They assist clients to identify vocational strengths and challenges, establish vocational goals, and develop plans to achieve them.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Assertive Engagement and Outreach

1. Meet with clients within one week of referral for supported employment services.

2. Make outreach attempts as part of initial engagement, and at least weekly when client contact ceases.

3. Demonstrate tolerance for different levels of readiness to work by using encouragement when a client appears unsure about working.

Assessment

1. Conduct vocational assessments that include, but are not limited to, a client’s overall rehabilitation goal, work background, interests, talents and skills, preferences, coping strategies, and other work related factors.

2. Explore job possibilities with clients by visiting possible work sites and facilitating informational interviews.

Job Search, Job Development, and Placement

1. Assist clients in finding jobs that are interesting and meaningful to them and at the skill level they desire.

2. Reach out to employers with clients within the first month of services to secure a job or to gather information about job opportunities.

3. Develop business contacts and take time to understand current business needs, as well as the expectations of open positions.

4. Work with employers to create customized employment positions when applicable (such as job carving, job sharing, modified job tasks, etc.)

5. Assist clients in maintaining employment by providing individualized follow-along supports, including crisis intervention, job coaching, advocacy, and counseling.

6. Provide individualized follow-along supports to employers.

Integration with Service Teams

1. Communicate regularly with treatment team and outside agencies. Observe and report any changes in the client’s conditions, physical and/or mental health.

2. Attend daily team meetings and treatment planning meetings. Promote employment options even when other staff members may not identify particular clients as candidates for work.

3. Participate in the development and implementation of individual treatment plans.

4. Provide education and consultation to team members by sharing knowledge of the client in relationship to work.

5. Maintain an open approachable manner, treat others fairly and respectfully, and seek and considers ideas from others.

6. Encourage team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems and putting team success first.

7. Actively participate in team and supervisions meetings weekly and present client information for guidance and share job leads.

8. Build rapport by listening to, discussing, and negotiating with other staff/co-workers.

9. Seek to resolve disagreements constructively.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. Education: A Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred. HS diploma/GED is required.

2. Professional Experience: Minimum of one year of vocational and/or behavioral health work experience.

3. Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, ability to navigate through applications and utilize keyboard to input required documentation into electronic health record.

4. Transportation: Must possess a valid Driver’s license, a safe driving record, a 4-passenger vehicle that meets company inspection, and vehicle insurance that names employee as insured driver.

5. Work schedule: Work primarily M-F business hours, but must be flexible and available to work weekends, evenings and holidays when necessary.

6. Must have strong commitment to the rights and abilities of each person living with a severe mental illness to live in the community, work in a competitive job, and have access to helpful, adequate and continuous supports and services.

7. Skills sufficient to interact effectively with persons who have psychiatric disabilities in order to gain meaningful participation.

8. Skills and knowledge in performing supported employment activities including identifying and negotiating potential jobs, getting clients integrated into jobs, providing job coaching assistance, and client advocacy with employers and clients.

9. Ability to work autonomously with demonstrated creativity, initiative, and commitment.

10. Ability to prioritize tasks and adjust priorities as situations change.

11. Effectively manage a high volume of work with competing demands, interruptions, and distractions without sacrificing poise, accuracy, or deadlines.

12. Maintain professional relationships with clients, their support system, other Sheppard Pratt staff, and community stakeholders to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.

13. Knowledge of policies and procedures and the ability to follow them.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.