Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Appalachian Community Services provides Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Developmental Disability services to individuals, families, and communities within the seven western counties of North Carolina. We provide a wide range of walk-in, psychiatric, substance abuse, and crisis services to adults and children.

About the Role

We are seeking a full-time Employment Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. In this role, you will provide community-based, in-home therapy and employment support for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. This position focuses on promoting symptom stability, enhancing community functioning, and supporting individuals in achieving employment, housing, and educational goals.

The Employment Specialist works collaboratively with clients, families, and natural supports to deliver person-centered, strengths-based interventions tailored to meet individual needs.

This position is:

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Support :

  • Provide individual and family therapy to clients receiving ACT services.
  • Implement therapeutic, crisis, behavioral, and psychoeducational interventions based on evidence-based practices.
  • Conduct employment assessments and recommend or implement treatment options.

• Service Coordination :

  • Collaborate with clients, families, natural supports, and collateral agencies to achieve goals outlined in the Person-Centered Plan (PCP) .
  • Assist with developing and evaluating crisis plans and transition plans for clients entering or leaving services.

• Employment and Advocacy :

  • Offer consultation to the ACT team on employment, housing, and education-related issues.
  • Provide work-related services and advocate for clients in the community.
  • Support clients in achieving daily living and social interaction goals.

• Documentation and Compliance :

  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including treatment notes, goals, and plans for the medical record.
  • Ensure fidelity to the ACT model as measured by TMACT standards.

• Training and Education :

  • Provide training for families and natural supports to enhance interactions with clients.
  • Deliver ongoing education and support to promote symptom stability and community integration.

This description outlines the general scope and level of work for this role. It is not intended to include every duty or responsibility that may be required of employees in this position.

Compensation

Competitive hourly pay aligned with your role, experience, and contribution, with opportunities for growth over time.

• Compensation: $21.76 - $27.95

Placement within the range is based on licensure level, education, and experience.

What You Can Expect

• Help people find and keep jobs while supporting their personal goals.
• Provide support and guidance to individuals dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.
• Work closely with families, community resources, and the ACT team to help clients succeed.
• Keep records and track progress while helping clients build independent and stable lives.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and counseling to clients in the community.
• Help clients find, obtain, and maintain employment.
• Work with clients, families, and community partners to achieve goals.
• Complete documentation and track client progress accurately.

Qualifications

• Education :

  • Must meet Qualified Professional (QP) status
  • Bachelors Degree in Human Services/ Pyschology.

• Skills and Attributes :

  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Commitment to delivering person-centered, trauma-informed care.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

• Additional Requirements :

  • Must be free from all illicit substance use.
  • This position is classified as Light Work (no lifting over 20 pounds).

Why Join Us

We are focused on creating a model where clinicians are supported, not overloaded. You'll have the flexibility to shape your schedule, the support to maintain a steady caseload, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, mission-driven organization.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from our competitive benefits package to support you and your loved ones, provide work/life balance, and invest in your future. The list below is for informational purposes only.

• Consumer-driven health plan coverage provided by Anthem
• Wellness: When you enroll in a medical plan, you get complete care support on your time through Sydney app (Anthem), with exclusive access to 24/7 access to licensed doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Two dental plan options available through Delta Dental, so you can choose the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget.
• Affordable vision plan available through EyeMed to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
• An optional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to reimburse yourself on a pre-tax basis for childcare.
• Generous paid time off
• 401k or Roth IRA Retirement Programs administered by Empower
• Financial planning and education services at no cost to you
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability)
• Educational Assistance (your position, date of hire and years of service determine your eligibility)
• Licensure Residency Program for Full-time Clinical Staff
• Advancement and Career Development Opportunities

Legal Notice:

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will and contingent upon successful completion of background checks and credential verification. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must be authorized to work in the United States. Compensation varies based on licensure, experience, and caseload. ncgCARE and all partner affiliates maintain a drug-free workplace.