Supported Employment Specialist - Mental Health

General Purpose: Employment Specialist: Assess client caseload for employment capabilities, provides training assistance, offers continuing support, and assists clients target potential jobs, explore job possibilities in the community, and makes job placements. Services are offered in a community-based setting. Educates employers and community providers about New Directions Employment Services and how they operate as a successful community placement model for employing people with in recovery and encourages them to recognize client?s abilities to be productive and successful.

Position Specific: This position will be spend collaborating with community partners and employers; performing analysis of client skills to employer job requirements and tracking employment status.

.2 FT of this will be dedicated to the EASA Program

Supervision Received: The Supported Employment Specialist/QMHA is supervised by the Outpatient Mental Health Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employment Specialist carries caseload of no more than 20

1. Fidelity
   1. Meets standards for Supported Employment documentation and work accuracy, including timely completion of progress notes, assessments, treatment plans and authorization requests.
   2. Meets standards for direct service, implementation and utilization of the clinical model of fidelity based IPS Supported Employment, quality of clinical practice and teamwork.
2. Vocational Assessment
   1. Interviews individuals and, if applicable, family members or team members in the client support system to complete the strengths based vocational assessment to identify clients? skills and strengths, interest, goals, dreams, aspirations and resources available to reach their goals. Supports individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their vocational situations.
3. Develops employment focused job search plan based on clients? interests, abilities, strengths and needs.
   1. Job search plans will have measurable goals and objectives based on the diagnosis and/or functional status. These will specify type, frequency, intensity, and duration of service.
   2. Job Search plans will be client driven and follow-ups will be completed on time
4. Researches possible job openings and opportunities for clients by contacting employment services, newspaper want ads, previous contacts, cold calling, and any other means of reaching potential employers.
   1. Performs job analysis, matching potential openings with clients? needs, skills, and logistics of getting to the job site.
   2. Establishes and maintains connections with businesses offering employment opportunities.

1. Set up interviews for clients, assist clients with application, resume preparation and interviewing skills.
   1. Identify barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, andtransportation problems and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
   2. Maintain close contact with clients during the job training and placements to resolve any problems andevaluate placement adequacy. Provide job coaching as determined by clients? needs and employer?s wishes.
   3. Perform interventions as needed with assigned clients previously placed who may be at risk of losing their jobs. Work closely with employer and client to resolve issues as soon as possible.

1. Coordination of Care:
   1. Coordinates and consults with other treatment team members to keep team informed of issues and progress.
   2. Educates individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding vocational rehabilitation issues.
   3. Refers client or family to community resources including state vocational rehabilitation services and benefits counselor.
2. Reporting:
   1. Monitors and tracks employment status.
   2. Provides accurate and timely written reports as required or requested.
   3. Maintains client records in compliance with agency and confidentiality guidelines.
   4. Completes documentation in an electronic health records system on a timely basis.

1. While on duty, you must always carry, keep turned on and answer the company cell phone.

1. This position is also part of the EASA team and will participate in weekly EASA team meetings, support individuals in the EASA program on the employment and educational goals.

1. 1. Attend weekly FACT meetings
   2. Attend EASA trainings and meet requirements for Core Certification
   3. Support individuals in the EASA program with the work and education goals including fidelity IPS services.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor?s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or behavioral health related field preferred, or AA degree plus three (3) years of comparable experience, or five (5) years? experience in a human services field/employment services, with a minimum of one (1) year experience in the behavioral field.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; understand Mental Health assessment, treatment and service terminology and individual, group, family and other counseling techniques; program policies and procedures for services and supports identified in an Individual Services and Supports Plan.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS: (continued)

• Ability to provide employment services and compliance with confidentially in accordance with federal, state, and/or funding source requirements.
• Knowledge of community resources enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Work. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system required.
• Requires access to a car, a valid Oregon Driver?s License, and proof of current automobile insurance coverage.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Journey-level professional counseling position with a B.A. degree plus two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Computer; ten-key; copier/fax/scan machine; and multi-line telephone system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with and fully utilize their hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty (20) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work shall be performed at the Outpatient Services Program and throughout the community at various other business locations. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the employee to dress in a professional manner at all times.