JOB TITLE: Employment Specialist FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt PROGRAM: Employment Services HOURS PER WEEK: 35 REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Program Director

The Employment Specialist is responsible for the provision of direct and indirect services to individuals with behavioral health conditions and other disabilities throughout stages of pre-vocational counseling, active job search and job maintenance. Responsible for engaging participants and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings. The Specialist will support vocational success by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaboration. When possible, he/she will utilize evidence-based practices; always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Pre-vocational Services: These are time-limited services that prepare an individual for paid or unpaid employment. This service specifically provides learning and work experiences where an individual can develop general, non-job-task-specific strengths and soft skills that that contribute to employability in competitive work environment as well as in the integrated community settings.

2. Placement Services: These services assist individuals in locating and securing open positions which match their employment factors; they may include resume development, interview coaching and introduction to various job search methods. support needs to obtain and keep competitive employment.

3. Job Coaching: The Employment Specialist offers consistent job coaching on- or off-site depending on the individuals preference. This may include assistance in requesting reasonable accommodations, active communication with an employer or other activities which promote job retention.

4. Employment Services is designated as a mobile program; Employment Specialists are expected to meet assigned individuals in agency, community, and employment settings as needed. Hybrid service provision is also currently being employed; weekly schedule may include evenings and weekends, when required to meet participants needs.

5. Completion of job-specific trainings within 24 months of hire

Administrative functions include maintenance of electronic records, service-specific reporting requirements and other related duties as requested. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. Demonstrated ability to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individuals in goal-directed vocational activities.
2. Prior knowledge and/or use of Trauma-Informed, Person-Centered Practice and Motivational Interviewing.
3. Knowledge of the common challenges associated with mental health or other disabling conditions.
4. Varied and/or substantial work history, in-depth understanding of employer and employee expectations
5. Ability to master an electronic record system, meet deadlines and willingness to grow and change are critical.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 1. Preference will be given to candidates who can provide services in more than one language, particularly Spanish or ASL.

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. The Employment Specialist must have a high school diploma or equivalent; plus a minimum of two years of experience in providing employment-related services to persons who have disabling conditions. 2. Within 24 months after hire, the Employment Specialist must complete required job- specific training courses. 3. Basic Computer knowledge is required. 4. Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.