Employment Specialist

Harbor is seeking an Employment Specialist to join the Defiance team! This position is responsible for providing evidence-based supported employment services to individuals with mental health disabilities in support of competitive employment outcomes.

Position is full-time, first shift and 40 hours per week.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work or closely related field; or
• Associate degree in counseling, social work or closely related field; or
• High school diploma or GED equivalent

Experience:

• Experience with providing employment services (i.e. job development, job coaching) as follows:
• Bachelor’s degree: minimum of 1 year of relevant experience
• Associates degree: minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
• No degree: minimum of 5 years of relevant experience 
• Proficient and accurate in computer use, including Microsoft Word.

Licensure and Certifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and show proof of personal auto insurance policy to be deemed insurable with Harbor’s vehicle insurance carrier.
• Must maintain active licensure in good standing.
• Must successfully complete a BCI/FBI background check(s) and six exclusionary database checks every 5 years, as required by OOD.
• When applicable, non-licensed staff will be required to complete 20 hours of CEUs every 24 months.
• CPR/First Aid and NCI/CPI Certifications required within 90 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work or closely related field.
• Ohio LPC, LSW, or CRC license.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities:

1. The IPS model of Supported Employment operates from a view that all clients who are interested in working will have access to supported employment services. Mental Health treatment teams encourage IPS/SE participation if the client expresses a desire to pursue employment.
2. From the SE Fidelity Scale: Employment Specialists (ES) provide only employment related services, with a caseload range from 20-30 and clients in various phases of employment.
3. ES carries out all phases of employment services including intake, engagement, assessment, job placement, job coaching, and follow along supports. There must be integration of rehabilitation with mental health treatment teams.
4. ES participate regularly in mental health treatment team meetings with shared decision making, and help the team think about employment for those who have expressed interest and have not yet been referred.
5. ES service documentation is integrated into client's mental health treatment record.
6. ES help the team develop employment interest related questions to be asked at intake and ongoing throughout treatment to determine that IPS/SE is accessed.
7. ES facilitate referrals, eligibility information, and coordination with local VR providers and have frequent contact regarding mutual clients and meet regularly to discuss progress.
8. ES organize and moderate discussion groups about employment experiences so that clients may share stories of successes and gain increased understanding, guidance, and peer support.
9. Responsible for the quality and completeness of the designated area(s) of the clinical record.
10. Develops and updates employment portion of Individualized Service Plan (ISP) for each client if needed, reflecting the areas of possible need related to employment: Health Care (mental health and physical health), Social Support, Transportation, Vocational/Educational, and Self-Management.
11. Responsible for accurate and timely documentation which includes, but is not limited to: Activity/Progress Notes, Incident Report forms and any other forms necessary to document CPST services.
12. Keyes documentation in the format appropriate and acceptable to Harbor.
13. In providing billable services, fulfills or exceeds unit expectations established by Harbor.
14. Assesses client needs for employment and formulates appropriate strategies to assist the client in making progress towards achieving their employment goals.
15. Assists the client in identifying his/her interests, skills, and aptitudes in exploring possible vocational choices and the labor market.
16. Assists the client in gaining information on the effects of employment on entitlements / financial assistance that the client may be receiving (i.e., SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, Section 8, Food Stamps) to assist the client in making an informed choice.
17. Evaluates with the client optimal employer and work site job matches and may complete worksite job analysis.
18. Coordinates with client employment specific needs and formulates a plan in conjunction with the client, family, and/or significant others.
19. With the behavioral team evaluates and revises the employment portions of the ISP according to the client’s progress and needs.
20. Assesses client needs beyond employment and formulates a plan for support in that employment in conjunction with the client, family, and/or significant others.
21. Follows crisis prevention/intervention and inpatient pre-screening protocols.
22. Assists the client in developing employment opportunities as well as the skills to succeed in employment.
23. Promotes resiliency among youth served through identifying options available through employment.
24. Provides support, education (i.e., benefits counseling, advantages of employment) and consultation to clients, families, and/or significant others.
25. Actively develops employment opportunities and assists clients in learning job skills as needed, individually or in groups.
26. Provides therapeutic interventions as noted in the ISP to maintain the client in employment or assist with adjustment with job loss or difficulty and potentially transitioning to a next step or job.
27. Monitors clients to identify and minimize effects of psychiatric symptoms, and effective symptom management in an employment setting.
28. Provides education on self-management of symptoms to clients, families and/or significant others.
29. Performs community outreach for the purpose of recruitment, client engagement, and necessary support services.
30. Provides coaching and mentoring assistance as needed for the purpose of maintaining and retaining employment.
31. Carries and utilizes a cell phone for business related communication with supervisor and other staff.
32. Assists the client, family, treatment team, employer in increasing social supports.
33. Coordinates evaluations and assessments by internal and/or external providers.
34. Coordinates and monitors all employment related services identified in the ISP.
35. Keeps current with trends and developments related to essential job competencies, and demonstrates continued growth.
36. Provides assistance in gaining access to essential community resources and linking with appropriate vocational resources (BVR, ODJFS, BWC, SS, OMJ, etc.).

General Competencies/Performance Expectations:

• Utilizes information technology systems and software applications effectively and in accordance with organizational standards and security protocols.
• Demonstrates sound judgment by analyzing information thoroughly, reaching timely conclusions, and taking appropriate, decisive action.
• Plans, prioritizes, and organizes work to ensure maximum efficiency, productivity, and quality outcomes.
• Actively seeks and utilizes supervision and feedback appropriately to support professional growth and effective job performance.
• Manages time and utilizes leave in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.

Working Conditions:

• Office and field environment.
• Travel expectations: