Supported Employment Specialist

Overview JOB CODE: C220 Supported Employment Specialist (SUD) – Location: Pendleton, Oregon (base location). Serves Umatilla County clients. FLSA: .87 FTE non-exempt (expectation to work 34.8 hours per week). Supervisor: Regional Supported Employment Supervisor. Pay Grade: B08 ($24.95 - $35.96 hourly, depending on experience). Company: Community Counseling Solutions. Benefits include a package with health, dental and vision insurance; 6% initial 401K match; tuition reimbursement potential; paid vacation; holidays; floating holiday and 2 mental health days; work-from-home flexibility after 1 year; relocation benefit up to $4,000; employee assistance and wellness benefits; long-term disability insurance. Application: Apply directly at Mission: CCS provides dynamic, progressive, and diverse supports to improve community well-being and seeks motivated employees to support its vision. Responsibilities Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward competitive employment in community job settings. Assists clients in obtaining information about benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how employment affects them; refers to benefits counseling as needed. Assesses vocational functioning; educates and supports family members with client permission; discusses disclosure of psychiatric status to employers. Conducts job development and job search activities aligned with client interests and the principles of supported employment. Provides individualized follow-along supports to maintain employment. Conducts a minimum of six employer contacts per week to learn business needs, describe supports, and highlight client strengths. Educates and supports employers as agreed, including negotiating accommodations and ongoing follow-up. Provides outreach to clients who disengage from service; uses varied methods to reach clients. Attends weekly meetings with the mental health treatment team and coordinates vocational services with the team between meetings. Meets with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least monthly to coordinate services. Develops an individual employment plan with the client, mental health worker, and other providers; updates quarterly; creates job support plans with client and others. Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community (e.g., client homes, workplaces, community locations). Provides supported education for clients interested in education to advance employment goals. Reports all abuse to appropriate legal authorities and completes required paperwork and safety plans as needed. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and/or Experience A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in social work, psychology, or other human service field is required, or a high school diploma with three years of equivalent training and work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Other Skills and Abilities Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required. Ability to develop relationships with employers and learn about their business through multiple visits. Ability to investigate the local business community to identify employers and jobs. Strong client interviewing skills to learn preferences, experiences, hopes, and concerns regarding employment. Effective collaboration with mental health practitioners, VR counselors, family members, and others in the vocational unit. Strengths-based and recovery-oriented approach to client services. Keeps current with new work methods, skills, and technologies. Assists with finding resources such as work incentives planning, transportation, etc. Problem-solving approach for challenging situations; conducts work in community settings. Writes person-specific plans aligned with goals and documents requirements from funding sources (VR, Medicaid, etc.). Must be able to work independently and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the public and across agencies. Knowledge of recovery model and ability to coordinate services across agencies and community groups. Ability to use computers and standard software; handle confidential information in compliance with laws. Criminal Background Checks Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536-181.537 and in accordance with OAR 410-007-0200 through 410-007-0380. Monthly checks against OIG, GSA, and other lists; exclusions or sanctions may result in termination. Pre-Hire Drug Screen Required. Personal Auto Insurance Must hold a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance for CCS business use; provide proof of at least $300,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage liability coverage; CCS insurance is secondary; CCS reserves right to deny use of CCS-owned vehicle. Physical Demands Regular use of computer and phone; may lift up to 10 pounds; occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching; travel between partner offices, homes, and community settings; participation in required meetings and trainings. Work Environment Office and community-based work; some remote work possible; occasional out-of-area travel and overnight stays; client homes and community environments may have variable accessibility. CCS is an equal opportunity employer and a member of National Health Services Corporation. #J-18808-Ljbffr