Employment Specialist (62016)

About the role

The primary responsibility of an Employment Specialist is to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive community-based employment that aligns with their vocational goals. This role is primarily community-based, with 65% of time spent meeting clients and developing employer partnerships. The position involves conducting functional needs assessments, determining the appropriateness of Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) services, and helping manage symptoms of mental illness and/or substance use disorders to restore or prevent deterioration in functional capacity.

You will utilize clients' strengths and knowledge to develop stability in identified areas of need, collaborating with clients and/or family members on skill development approaches tailored to individual needs, including coping styles, developmental levels, culture, and emotional state. Services may be conducted in outpatient, home, or community-based settings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional needs assessments and determine appropriateness of IPS services.
• Engage clients by establishing collaborative relationships to assist in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment.
• Assess long- and short-term employment goals, evaluating work, educational, criminal, and developmental history, as well as financial responsibilities.
• With client consent, provide education and support to family, friends, and potential employers regarding clients' needs and abilities.
• Develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) with input from the client, behavioral health treatment team, DVR counselor (when appropriate), family, and friends.
• Conduct individualized job development and job search activities.
• Support clients in making employer contacts, applying for jobs, or learning about available opportunities within 30 days of program intake.
• Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment, including negotiating workplace accommodations when necessary.
• Participate in assigned meetings for continuity of care and to increase employment sustainability.
• Attend community meetings, provide job coaching, or assist with job development.
• Actively engage in the treatment planning process and continuously evaluate client progress, providing feedback to clients, families, and the treatment team.
• Maintain accurate, concise, and timely documentation of services provided.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Six months to one year of experience with job development and/or vocational rehabilitation with a similar population.
• One year of professional or volunteer experience in the behavioral health field (preferred).
• Working knowledge of community resources and ability to navigate relationships with community partners.
• General understanding of behavioral health and/or substance use services.
• Ability to take initiative and use critical thinking to independently problem-solve.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License with a driving record that meets the organization’s requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with clients and team members.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Suite, with the ability to type 25+ words per minute for inputting and outputting client information using electronic medical records.

Benefits

• Exceptional health benefits (medical, dental, vision) with comprehensive coverage for you and your family.
• 401(k) company match with 4% fully vested.
• Generous vacation and sick time.
• Paid long-term disability coverage.
• Paid holidays, including 3 floating holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program, including free therapy access.
• Professional development funds for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Robust training program to support career growth.
• Second language monthly bonus (subject to assessment).

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Schedule is set by supervisor.

About Us

At Diversus Health, we’re dedicated to transforming mental and behavioral healthcare to improve lives. Our mission is to provide trusted, affordable, and personalized care that empowers individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. We live by our core values:

• Teamwork – We achieve more together.
• Solution-Minded – We embrace problems as opportunities.
• Impactful – We inspire positive outcomes.
• Integrity – We commit to doing what is right.

These values guide everything we do, from how we treat each other to how we care for our clients. Join our team and help us build a truly healthy society.