Employment Specialist

Employment SpecialistAre you passionate about helping others achieve greater independence and success through meaningful employment? As an Employment Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, discover their strengths, and build rewarding careers. Join our compassionate and collaborative team where you'll develop meaningful relationships with clients, engage with local employers, support career growth, and make a positive difference in your community every day. We are looking for someone who is passionate about advocacy, enjoys building community partnerships, communicates effectively, and is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their goals.The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing individualized career planning, job development, placement, and retention services for clients. This role works closely with individuals, employers, referral sources, and community partners to create competitive employment opportunities and support long-term vocational success. The Employment Specialist serves as an advocate, educator, and resource while helping clients navigate their employment journey and achieve meaningful community integration.This position offers:Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no costMileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travelEmployee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College TuitionWorkplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforceAdditional Perks & Benefits - Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn moreKey Responsibilities:Develop individualized career plans that align with clients' strengths, interests, abilities, and employment goalsConnect clients with competitive employment opportunities through job development, employer engagement, and community networkingTeach and reinforce job-seeking, interviewing, workplace readiness, and job retention skillsBuild and maintain relationships with employers to identify hiring needs and create employment opportunities for clientsAdvocate for clients with employers, family members, referral sources, and community partners to support successful employment outcomesAssist clients with benefits planning and informed decision-making regarding employment, work hours, and compensationFacilitate orientations and provide ongoing vocational counseling, guidance, and support throughout the employment processEducate employers regarding the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and assist with workplace accommodations as neededParticipate in team meetings and collaborate with treatment teams and stakeholders to support client successRespond to workplace challenges or crises and provide support to promote successful job retentionMaintain communication with referral sources and provide updates regarding employment outcomes and client progressTravel throughout the community to provide job development activities, employment supports, and client transportation when neededProvide on-site and off-site employment supports as necessaryComplete other duties as assigned by leadershipEducation, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:High school diploma, GED, or equivalent requiredAssociate's degree or Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution preferredMinimum one (1) year of experience providing employment services preferredAdditional Qualifications:Successful completion of criminal background, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint screening requirementsCurrent valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current automobile insurance requiredKnowledge of supporting individuals with disabilities and individuals experiencing barriers to employment, education, or independent livingUnderstanding of case management, rehabilitation principles, and employment support servicesKnowledge of mental health and substance use disorders and available community resourcesStrong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent customer service and relationship-building abilitiesProficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, internet-based platforms, and electronic documentation systemsAbility to market services, develop employer partnerships, and promote employment opportunities within the communityAbility to respond effectively to workplace challenges and support clients in achieving vocational successPhysical Requirements:Perform sedentary work requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of forceUse hands, fingers, and arms repetitively for typing, writing, and computer-based tasks throughout the workdaySit for extended periods while completing documentation and administrative dutiesOccasionally stand and walk while conducting community-based job development and client support activitiesSafely transport clients and travel extensively throughout the community as requiredPerform essential job duties while maintaining physical stamina necessary for community-based employment servicesKeywords: Employment Specialist, Job Development, Vocational Services, Career Planning, Workforce Development, Disability Services, Case Management, Client Advocacy, Community Outreach, Employment Support ServicesPosition Perks & Benefits:Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal lifeEmployee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & moreTop-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportiveCareer mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from withinWelcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happinessBrightli is on a Mission:A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.