Employment Specialist

Responsibilities

• Engage clients and establish a relationship directed toward the goal of obtaining employment within the community.
• Develop an individual employment plan with clients that incorporates feedback from treatment team and/or family members.
• Educate clients regarding how employment can affect their entitlements (i.e. Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, etc.).
• Support clients so they can make informed decisions about employment opportunities.
• Discuss disclosure of psychiatric status to employers.
• Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the client.
• Aid clients with applications, resumes, interview skills, attendance at interviews, and other activities that enhances the client’s ability to gain employment.
• Conduct employer contacts that are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the supported employment program, and describe client strengths to promote hiring opportunities.
• Provide education and support to employers; i.e. negotiate job accommodations, assist with job training, provide follow-along support to the employer, etc. to increase client job retention.
• Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in the maintenance of employment; e.g. create job support plans, assist with reporting earnings, and refer clients to benefits counseling as needed.
• Assess clients' vocational ability on an ongoing basis through collaboration with treatment teams and work experiences.
• Communicate with treatment team to integrate vocational services into treatment plan.
• Participate in meetings to help coordinate services for clients.
• Perform outreach services when clients appear disengaged from the program using various methods.

Qualifications

• Must have one of the following requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree
• High School Diploma or GED with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting
• Licensed Practical Nurse under the Nurse Practice Act [225 ILCS 65]
• Certificate of Psychiatric Rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program, a high school diploma/GED, and two years’ experience of experience in a mental health setting
• CRSS certification through IAODAPCA
• Family Partnership Professional certificate from and in good standing with IAODAPCA
• Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed under the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act [225 ILCS 75] with one-year experience in a mental health setting; High school diploma or GED and five years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to a well-maintained vehicle with $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance
• Experience working with people with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses preferred
• Experience in community-based services preferred
• Marketing skills preferred