A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works with people that have mental or physical disabilities, or people recovering from accidents or major injuries, to help them assess employment options and find job placements. Provides counseling and job search assistance and identifies resources for clients. Works with employers to identify job opportunities and advocates for clients with disabilities.
As an Employment Specialist within a Community Treatment Team, your primary responsibility is to assist individuals with mental health concerns or disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Do you have vocation rehabilitation experience and want to work as part of a team to consider a holistic view of client treatment? Are you a good problem solver and a great communicator?
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Client Assessment:
Assessing the vocational skills, interests, and employment goals of individuals receiving treatment within the community mental health program.
Job Development:
Actively seeking out and cultivating relationships with local businesses and employers to identify job opportunities suitable for clients. This involves networking, cold-calling, and marketing the skills and abilities of clients to potential employers.
Job Placement:
Matching clients with appropriate job opportunities based on their skills, interests, and abilities. This may involve providing job coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and assistance with job applications.
Employment Support:
Providing ongoing support to clients in the workplace to ensure job retention and success. This could include helping clients navigate workplace challenges, providing accommodations, and advocating for their needs with employers.
Vocational Counseling:
Offering guidance and support to clients in exploring career options, setting vocational goals, and developing strategies for achieving those goals.
Collaboration:
Working closely with other members of the Community Treatment Team, including therapists, case managers, and psychiatrists, to ensure that employment goals are integrated into the overall treatment plan for each person served.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of client progress, job placements, and employer interactions. This may also involve documenting any barriers or challenges faced by clients in their pursuit of employment.
Community Outreach:
Engaging with community organizations, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to expand job opportunities and support services for clients The team is mobile and delivers services in community locations to enable each consumer to find and live in their own residence and find and maintain work in community jobs rather than expecting the consumer to come to the program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Human Service and (1) year of practical experience OR Bachelor's degree in Human Service such as; sociology, social work, psychology, criminal justice, gerontology, counseling, education or nursing and (3) years of experience in a related field. Networking experience preferred. Valid Driver's License Ability to drive an organization vehicle Vocational rehabilitation experience preferred Act 33/34/73 (Criminal, Child and FBI Check) clearances Pre-Employment Drug Screen
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS/BENEFITS
WORK
SCHEDULE
This is an Exempt (salary) position. Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility to meet consumer needs. Some non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends and holidays). Will provide on-call services on a rotating basis, as part of a team.
Great Benefit Package:
(Benefits start Day 1 of employment): 403B with employer match; Paid Time Off (PTO); Medical, Dental, Vision; Life Insurance; Paid Holiday Days; Plus more………
ABOUT PITTSBURGH MERCY
We're a community-based health and human services organization using person-centered care to treat our area's most vulnerable populations. We work with families in settings that are safe and familiar to them, and view them as equal partners when planning, developing, and monitoring care. Our mission is to be a compassionate, transforming presence within our communities. We reach out to offer help - and hope - to people who are experiencing: Mental illness and substance abuse Physical health needs; Traumatic events or circumstances, including homelessness Our Commitment Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
