Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

For more than 60 years PRS, now HopeLink Behavioral Health (formerly PRS), has provided comprehensive and specialized support to individuals and families living with behavioral health challenges or facing a life crisis. We envision a society where hope is universal. Through access to quality behavioral health, crisis intervention, and suicide intervention services we foster an inclusive community in which everyone can attain wellness and a genuine sense of belonging.

Position Summary:

The Employment Specialist gathers assessment information regarding vocational interests, skills, and abilities; develops individual employment placements within the community and provides on-site and off-site support to individuals in community-based employment.

Primary Duties

• Assess readiness, skills and abilities of clients to gain employment.
• Assess and evaluate skill strengths and deficits in work performance.
• Complete Employment Needs Assessments and develop person-centered Individual Recovery Plans for employment for each person on caseload.
• Provide skill teaching and support to assist clients with getting and keeping employment.
• Provide assistance in transportation education and travel training.
• Partner with clients to explore job opportunities and gain employment of choice.
• Educate clients on how work impacts benefits and entitlements.
• Assist clients on making an informed decision about disclosure in the workplace and reasonable accommodations.
• Design and assist in implementation of environmental modifications/workplace accommodations.
• Educate area employers regarding the benefits of supported employment and the role of a job coach.
• Match client skills and needs with employer needs.
• Prepare and orient clients to new workplace and make regular employer site visits, as requested.
• Monitor clinical status and provide follow-up support and counseling.
• Routinely liaison and collaborate with other care-providers and/or treatment team.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain and effectively manage individual caseload as determined by program needs.
• Maintain clinical records as required and complete all billing requirements in a timely manner.
• Market employment services to business community and cold call businesses to know about job opportunities.
• Represent staff in agency and/or community-based workgroups to enhance services provided within, and related to, employment services for target population, as needed.

Essential Competencies:

• Adaptability to changes in environment and situations
• Strong and effective communication skills and accepts criticism and feedback
• Dependability by following instructions, responds to management direction and keeps commitments
• Meets attendance punctuality guidelines
• Maintains emotional self-awareness and manages relationships positively
• Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming and building interpersonal relationships
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit and exhibits objectivity and openness to others views.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with significant work-related experience preferred.
• High degree of empathy toward the clients we serve.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in computer procedures relevant to this position.