Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist position is designed to implement the evidence-based practices as it relates to Supported Employment. The Employment Specialist will assist job seekers with Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health Disorders, or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment. This staff person will meet in community, home, and office settings at times preferred by the person served to conduct person-centered vocational services. This role works as part of a multi-disciplinary team, helping people served to overcome barriers and achieve their personal goals with a special focus on employment.

JOB DUTIES

Provide individualized employment support services to consumers with Substance User Disorders, mental health disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Conduct vocational assessments to identify consumer strengths, interests, barriers, and employment goals. Provide information to the WM Team Member to inform the development and implement of individualized plan of service (IPOS) in collaboration with the consumer, consumer supports and the broader care team. Assist consumers with job readiness skills including resume writing, interview preparation, job applications, and workplace communication. Conduct job development activities by building relationships with local employers in the West Michigan CMH area communities. Provide job coaching and on-site workplace support as needed to help consumers sustain employment. Connect consumers to vocational training programs, education resources, and supportive employment services. Collaborate with case managers, mental health clinicians, and peer support specialists and other care team members to ensure coordinated and integrated care. Maintain professional boundaries while building trusting, supportive relationships with a diverse consumer population. Monitoring and Participation in multi-disciplinary treatment team activities as necessary including: Participates in monitoring the progress of consumers. Attends various treatment team meetings of consumers as requested. Provides written and verbal information to supervisors, clinical staff, and the clinical record regarding observations of and interactions with consumers. Completes incident/accident reports, when necessary.

Transportation:

May transport consumers to and from a variety of employment related appointments both internal to the agency and within the community as necessary. Operates agency vehicles safely. Promptly reports any problems with vehicles to supervisor (and facilities when needed) and completes any necessary incident reports. Maintains current licensure appropriate for the vehicle being operated. Properly completes trip reports in a timely manner.

Documentation:

Documents services provided in the electronic health record and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system in a timely manner. The record must accurately reflect the provision of Skill Building and Supported Employment services, including the nature of the service, the date, and the location of contacts.