Vocational Specialist

Vocational Specialist Full time 40 hours. Bound Brook, NJ, US. Salary Range: $48,000.00 to $54,000.00 annually. Salary: $48,000 – $54,000 annually Location: Bound Brook, NJ (Serving Somerset County) Work hours: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (40 hours per week) $5,000 Sign on Bonus Position Overview As part of a multi‑disciplinary core services team, the Vocational Specialist provides assessment and direct service to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness enrolled in the PACT Program. The role includes assessing education and work history and developing plans and interventions in conjunction with the individual and the team in the area of employment/career services. Essential Job Functions Team member in the frequent, ongoing monitoring and assessment of the mental health status of persons served, including significant others, home and community environments. Within the team, develop a vocational assessment, comprehensive assessment, and individualized recovery plan, often focusing on education and employment needs. Participate in clinical and non‑clinical team meetings, including individual and team supervision; actively seek monthly supervision from supervisor. Ensure documentation is completed on time and with quality to meet DMHAS/Medicaid standards. Provides Teaching skills to support each person’s individualized recovery journey and community integration. Mental health education, community living skill training, and supportive counseling in home and other natural environments for served persons and significant others. Assessment of job‑related interests and abilities based on education and work history. Assessment of mental illness impact on employment, identification of interfering behaviors, and development of interventions. Supportive counseling for coping with symptoms that may interfere with work performance. Evidence‑based practice of Supportive Employment, including all model components. Crisis intervention services (including on‑the‑job) for acute psychiatric needs. Technical assistance and education to team members in education and employment areas. Develop materials and strategies for career interventions with the team. Job development in the community to identify paid and volunteer opportunities. On‑site and off‑site job coaching services. Assessment of mental illness symptoms and behavior in response to medication, monitoring for side effects. Medication education for individuals and families with service recipient consent. Coordinate services with community mental health, non‑mental health providers, and medical professionals. Assist in securing affordable housing, food, medical, dental, and financial support. Linkage to entitlement benefits such as Medicaid, unemployment, social security, rental assistance, and other public assistance. Develop WRAP and Psychiatric Advance Directives with stage‑wise treatment. Use Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, and Teaching Strategies. Utilize evidence‑based practices including IDDT, CBT, IMR, Trauma‑Informed Care, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Career Development. 24‑hour on‑call coverage on a rotating schedule; immediate response by phone or in person. Rapid and flexible crisis response, including accompaniment to local screening centers or psychiatric emergency services. Assess daily living skills; teach budgeting, cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, personal hygiene, transportation, self‑advocacy, and housing maintenance. Support families and social networks in managing symptoms, reducing stress, and achieving wellness. Requirements Education/Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from an accredited institution. Experience: Minimum 2 years’ experience in vocational assessment, job preparation, or individualized job placement and/or job coaching with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Driver’s License/Vehicle: Valid driver’s license required. No more than one moving violation within the past 12 months. Vehicle required. Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b), basic life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, EAP. Eligibility for medical benefits after 30 days of employment. 10 paid holidays (11th after 2 years) and generous vacation and sick time. EEO Statement Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services was founded on a strong desire to fight disparity and injustice alongside people living with behavioral health conditions. We are dedicated to providing a multicultural workplace where everyone feels a sense of purpose and belonging. We provide equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr BRIDGEWAY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES