Job Description

STATEMENT OF POSITION:

The Employment Specialist gathers assessment information regarding vocational interests, skills, and abilities; develops individual employment placements within the community and provides on-site and off-site support to individuals in community-based employment

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Assess readiness, skills and abilities of clients to gain employment.
• Assess and evaluate skill strengths and deficits in work performance.
• Complete Employment Needs Assessments and develop person-centered Individual Recovery Plans for employment for each person on caseload
• Provide skill teaching and support to assist clients with getting and keeping employment.
• Provide assistance in transportation education and travel training.
• Partner with clients to explore job opportunities and gain employment of choice.
• Educate clients on how work impacts benefits and entitlements.
• Assist clients on making an informed decision about disclosure in the workplace and reasonable accommodations.
• Design and assist in implementation of environmental modifications/workplace accommodations.
• Educate area employers regarding the benefits of supported employment and the role of a job coach.
• Match client skills and needs with employer needs.
• Prepare and orient clients to new workplace and make regular employer site visits, as requested.
• Monitor clinical status and provide follow-up support and counseling
• Routinely liaison and collaborate with other care-providers and/or treatment team
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain and effectively manage individual caseload as determined by program needs
• Maintain clinical records as required and complete all billing requirements in a timely manner
• Market employment services to business community and cold call businesses to know about job opportunities
• Represent staff in agency and/or community-based workgroups to enhance services provided within, and related to, employment services for target population, as needed.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability to changes in environment and situations
• Strong and effective communication skills and accepts criticism and feedback
• Dependability by following instructions, responds to management direction and keeps commitments
• Meets attendance punctuality guidelines
• Maintains emotional self-awareness and manages relationships positively
• Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming and building interpersonal relationships
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit and exhibits objectivity and openness to others views

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with significant work-related experience preferred
• High degree of empathy toward the clients we serve
• Effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in computer procedures relevant to this position.