Employment Specialist

Supported Employment SpecialistSupported Employment Specialists assist consumers with diagnosed mental health and substance needs to obtain and sustain employment and education options that are consistent with their vocational goals and recovery. Engage consumers and establish a trusting and collaborative relationship directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated job settings. Manage a caseload of consumers and work with other mental health, care coordination and treatment providers to implement comprehensive plans for individuals seeking to increase their independence through education and employment.Essential Functions:Follow all Individual Placement & Support (IPS) principles and procedures.Adhere to program funded sources requirements and assess consumers' vocational functioning on ongoing basis.Deliver services utilizing the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) and other employment models.Help consumers in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with consumers' needs and interests.Provide individualized, follow-along services to help consumers sustain employment.Provide education and support to employers, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with employers.Provide outreach and support to consumers, as necessary, when they appear to disengage from the program's services.Meet regularly with treatment team members to coordinate and integrate vocational services into the consumers' treatment plan.Create individual employment and education plans with Consumers, Care Coordinators, Case Managers, and other treatment team providers and updates the plans accordingly.Spend & document at least 65 percent of direct service time in the community to engage and support consumers, natural supports, and employers as determined by the IPS model.Participate in IPS training and collaborative groups to maintain model fidelity.Utilize IPS training tools to provide basic training to key stakeholders.Market and represent St. Charles and IPS programming in a positive and professional manner.Work with the consumer's treatment team to establish measurable outcomes and identify ways to reduce system or employment barriers.Work to build inroads with business leaders, employers and educators.Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Counseling or related field. Master's Degree preferred.At least one year of experience with vocational services, working in a Mental Health and/or Social Services related setting desired.Bilingual and/or able to communicate in other languages is a preferred but not required.Knowledge of individual and family issues and dynamicsCertified and familiar with the delivery of services utilizing the IPS model preferred.Ability to work as an effective team player.Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.Skilled in evidence-based practices, i.e. IPS, motivational interviewing, etc.Able to collaborate with family members, the community, other service providers, and workforce development partners.Ability to work independently & conduct self in an ethical manner.Ability to maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, individuals receiving services and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision.Ability to display sensitivity to the populations we service by responding respectfully to people of all cultures, socioeconomic characteristics, races, ethnicities, religions, and other diversity factors.Demonstrates good computer skills; accurate documentation skills & ability to meet deadlines.Knowledge of substance use issues and mental health needs.Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare quality reports.Valid Wisconsin Driver's License and proof of liability insurance.Ability to use vehicles for work related duties according to the agency's insurance requirements.Working Conditions:In a typical office environment, training area, at job sites or in the community.Local travel required, as necessary, to fulfill key staff responsibilities.