Employment Specialist – Supported Employment Program

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience in mental health or social services, business, personnel management, or vocational services.
• At least 2 years' experience working with people with serious mental illnesses, experience with vocational services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English-Spanish or English-Haitian Creole) preferred.
• Previous experience as an employment specialist helping people with serious mental illnesses obtain and sustain competitive employment is desired.
• Prior experience using assessment tools to help clients during their interviewing process preferred.
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing preferred.
• Prior experience as an employment specialist in South Florida market preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Ability to work with and engage individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Must possess proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to successfully navigate through the Internet, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applicable software.
• Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely.
• Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the public.
• Performing the duties of this position requires the ability to walk, sit, stand, reach, talk, hear and lift presentation materials, including equipment.
• Must have access to a licensed, insured personal vehicle at all times during work hours for reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursement will be provided for the use of personal vehicles as part of work-related travel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated job settings.
• Affords ongoing assessments of consumers’ vocational functioning.
• Following SE principles and procedures, helps clients in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with consumers’ needs and interests.
• Provides individualized, time-unlimited, follow-along services to help clients sustain employment.
• Based on agreement with consumers, provides education and support to employers, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with employers.
• Provides outreach services to consumers, as necessary, when they appear to disengage from SE services.
• Maintains contact with clients even without a vocational focus to sustain engagement.
• Prepares reports client case load to inform progress and issues.
• Ensures program operations and activities adhere to legal guidelines and internal policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves as an Ambassador of Gang Alternative, Inc.
• Implements employability skills training with performance excellence and contract compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves as an Ambassador of Gang Alternative, Inc.

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist will ensure that referred clients to the Supported Employment Program (ENGAGE) in South Florida’s Tri-County Area (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties) focus on a client-based population that requires integrated analysis of job development and career path guidance and placement.