Resource Specialist

About the Role

The overarching goal of the position is to work as a key member of the MGH FEPP multidisciplinary team by supporting and assisting MGH FEPP clients in finding, obtaining, and maintaining employment and/or assisting them with accomplishing their educational goals (e.g., high school, college). This includes identifying appropriate programming and/or supporting their needs via acquiring special education services and accommodations. The SEE Specialist will work with clients to identify and support their career or educational goals, provide one-to-one professional development coaching, offer ongoing support and coaching to help clients overcome difficulties at work or school, and collaborate with the multidisciplinary FEPP team as well as clients’ institutions to support their progress.

The selected candidate will join a vibrant clinical and research community at MGH, located in Boston’s West End, and will receive encouragement and mentorship to pursue scholarly publications if interested.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients to identify vocational/educational areas of interest, skills, and abilities for appropriate job or school matches, and explore and match clients with opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses to assist in job tours, job placement, and follow-up for individuals; outreach to at least two new employers per week.
• Design and maintain a database of possible job opportunities, training programs, and higher education options based on geographical area for use with clients and families.
• Provide one-to-one training for clients in professional development, resume and cover letter writing, applications, mock interviews, and on-the-job coaching.
• Work with clients to determine and plan appropriate modes of transportation to their employment or education sites.
• Discuss the pros and cons of disclosure to the workplace and assess individual preferences.
• Serve as a follow-along support/liaison to the employer in cases where the individual elects to disclose their involvement with the SEE specialist.
• Assist clients with adhering to employers’ and educational institutions’ expectations, including navigating dress codes, workplace norms, and job regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all client career/educational placements, performance, functioning measures, and other pertinent data.
• Track the status of 504/Individual Education Plans for clients in high school and academic/residential accommodations for those in college.
• Assist families and clients in advocating for increased academic programming/services. Serve as a liaison between the school and treatment team as needed, with support from the Team Neuropsychologist.
• Assist with setting and achieving academic and social goals via executive functioning coaching and other strategies.
• Participate in required SEE training, statewide job development forums, and role-specific or team DMH-sponsored EBP trainings.
• Work with clients to assist them in navigating and traveling on the MBTA.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (psychology, rehabilitation counseling, special education, or related fields preferred).
• A minimum of three years of paid experience working with adolescents or adults with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Experience providing employment or education services is strongly preferred.
• Ability and willingness to meet with clients and engage in job development in the community at least 20% of the week.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to manage competing priorities and adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and complete necessary paperwork.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to make appropriate, accurate judgments, including handling emergency situations.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, family members, employers, academic institutions, and the clinical team, both in person and through virtual means (e.g., Zoom).
• Demonstrated ability to appropriately protect confidential information.
• Knowledge of community employers and academic institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and report on a client’s progress, challenges, and status verbally or in writing as required.
• Demonstrated ability to market and outreach to employers and academic institutions.

Schedule

• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Hybrid schedule is possible.
• Scheduled weekly hours: 20.

Pay

Pay range: $22.35 - $26.58/hourly (Grade 3). At Mass General Brigham, base pay is determined by skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other essential factors. The provided range is an estimate based on minimum job qualifications and does not encompass the full compensation package, which may include benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums, and bonuses.

Work Location

151 Merrimac Street, Boston, MA (onsite).