Employment Specialist

Base Pay $38,400.00 / Year Employee Type Exempt Required Degree 2 Year Degree Travel 60% Manage Others No Description The Employment Specialist is an unique position designed to advise and support consumers, coordinate their rehabilitation plans with other agencies (including private providers, physicians, Division of Family Services, courts, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security, school systems, housing authorities, and others) ensuring access to and availability of services to which consumers are entitled, acting as an advocate for the consumer to satisfy his/her needs and maintain recovery and effective level of functioning. This is a full-time, salaried, professional position.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Engage clients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities.
2. Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refer clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Help clients report earnings, as needed.
3. Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
4. Conduct a minimum of six employer contacts per week.
5. Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Write job support plans with clients and incorporating input from the mental health team. Adjust plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
6. Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
7. Provide outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the service. Use a variety of methods to provide outreach.
8. Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, assessments, rehabilitation plan reviews, discharge planning. Keep counselor and others informed of conflicts, problems and progress. Assure continuity and coordination of services delivered to individual consumers.
9. Participate in supervisory sessions, classes and other events necessary to perform duty.
10. Document in consumers’ records and complete billing documents according to established time frames.
11. May be required to transport consumers in personal vehicles.
12. Maintain appropriate level of insurance for transporting consumers in personal