Employment Specialist

Job Description:

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Location: West Plains, MO

Department: Employment Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

The incumbent of this position is responsible for developing and implementing all phases of clients' vocational services. They provide individualized career planning, job placement, and retention support. They are responsible for marketing clients and services, developing career opportunities, creating employer relationships, supporting clients at their job site, and facilitating long-term vocational success. Employment Specialists are experts regarding their local labor market, analyzing trends, and partnering with employers to meet recruitment needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect.
• Adhere to all confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards during the provision of services.
• Maintain flexibility in work availability including evenings, overnights, and weekends as necessary.
• Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information, and utilize this information to assist clients with individualized career planning, job development, and retention services.
• Schedule and participate in team/planning meetings that discuss individual clients and their employment goals with shared decision-making.
• Conduct orientation for clients to explain services and discuss their rights, responsibilities, and disclosure.
• Assist clients with individualized career planning through interviews, community-based activities, and vocational counseling to determine strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences in relation to their personal and employment goals.
• Assist clients with individualized benefits planning at the onset of services, before starting a new job, and when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
• Teach and reinforce job seeking and job retention skills with clients.
• Create employer relationships and provide employer services designed to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Serve as an advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, and other stakeholders (family, schools, other social service agencies, etc.).
• Educate employers regarding the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations (e.g., assistive technology adaptations, job carving, etc.).
• Promote the system, services, and clients in a professional manner with employers and through participation in community events and awareness activities, including making presentations or public speaking.
• Maintain frequent contact with referral sources for the purpose of discussing shared clients and identifying potential referrals.
• Report job development outcomes and other relevant information to supervisor on a regular basis (e.g., referrals, placements, retention, areas of concern, etc.).
• Respond to crises that may occur with clients at their worksite.
• Travel extensively to conduct job development and supports, including transporting clients.
• May be required to provide on-site or off-site job supports for clients.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The individual should have a good understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living.
• Knowledgeable about case management and rehabilitation methods, principles, and techniques as they relate to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, and know how to access community resources.
• Knowledge of the methods and modalities as well as the legal requirements and court procedures related to treating mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
• Some knowledge of supervisory and training techniques and practices used in a substance use disorders/mental health setting.
• Ability to evaluate services within assigned program and give input.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are important for producing clear and concise reports.
• Strong customer service skills are also necessary.
• Proficiency in computer knowledge, including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and other electronic media.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required.
• An associates or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.
• At least one year of experience providing employment services.

Position Perks & Benefits:

Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life

Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more

Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Brightli is on a Mission:

A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.