About the position
As an Employment Specialist at Burrell Behavioral Health, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and implement comprehensive vocational services tailored to each client's unique needs. This includes individualized career planning, job placement, and ongoing retention support. You will work closely with clients to understand their strengths, preferences, and challenges, guiding them through the job-seeking process and helping them secure meaningful employment opportunities. In this position, you will be expected to maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate the varying needs of clients, which may include evenings, overnights, and weekends. You will conduct thorough assessments of clients' vocational, medical, psychological, and educational backgrounds to create personalized career plans. Collaboration is key; you will actively participate in team meetings to discuss client progress and employment goals, ensuring a holistic approach to service delivery. Your role will also involve educating employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, advocating for clients in the workplace, and providing on-site support as needed. You will be responsible for maintaining regular communication with referral sources and reporting on job development outcomes to your supervisors. This position requires extensive travel to meet clients and support their job development activities, making it essential to have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Joining our team means being part of a supportive work culture that values your well-being and encourages professional growth. We offer comprehensive training and career mobility opportunities, allowing you to advance within the organization while making a significant impact in the community.
Responsibilities
- Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect.
- Adhere to confidentiality protocols, CARF standards, and contractual obligations while providing services.
- Maintain a flexible work schedule, including availability for evenings, overnights, and weekends as needed.
- Compile and review comprehensive vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to assist clients in crafting individualized career plans.
- Schedule and actively participate in team and planning meetings to discuss individual clients and their employment goals.
- Conduct thorough orientation sessions for clients, explaining available services and discussing their rights, responsibilities, and disclosure options.
- Assist clients in individualized career planning through interviews, community-based activities, and vocational counseling.
- Provide individualized benefits planning at the onset of services and when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
- Teach and reinforce essential job-seeking and job-retention skills to empower clients in their employment journeys.
- Create and nurture relationships with employers to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
- Serve as a dedicated advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, and other stakeholders.
- Educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations.
- Promote the system, services, and clients professionally with employers and through community events.
- Maintain frequent contact with referral sources to discuss shared clients and ensure seamless service delivery.
- Regularly report job development outcomes and other relevant information to supervisors.
- Respond promptly and effectively to crises that may occur with clients at their worksites.
- Provide on-site or off-site job support for clients as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required.
- An associate's or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.
- At least one year of experience providing employment services.
- Understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living.
- Knowledge of case management and rehabilitation methods as they relate to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
- Awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, and knowledge of how to access community resources.
- Familiarity with methods, modalities, legal requirements, and court procedures related to treating mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
- Basic knowledge of supervisory and training techniques used in a substance use disorders/mental health setting.
- Ability to evaluate services within assigned programs and provide input.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for producing clear and concise reports.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Proficiency in computer knowledge, including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and other electronic media.
Benefits
- Employee benefits package - health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
- Paid time off - 29 days per year including vacation & holiday pay
- Mileage reimbursement for work functions requiring travel
- NHSC approved site for tax-free student loan assistance
- Top-notch training - initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
- Career mobility - advancement opportunities/promoting from within
- Welcoming, warm, supportive work culture that promotes well-being
