GENERAL SUMMARY:

Supported Employment (SE) Specialists help consumers, age 16-25 with diagnosed mental health needs, obtain and sustain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals and recovery. Supported Employment Specialists engages consumers and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated job settings. Supported Employment Specialist will manage caseloads of up to 25 consumers and work with other mental health, care coordination and educational specialist to implement comprehensive plans for transitioning age youth to increase their independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses consumers’ vocational functioning on ongoing basis;
• Following Supported Employment principles and procedures,
• Helps consumers 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 consumers 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;
• Meets regularly with treatment team members to coordinate and integrate vocational services into mental health treatment;
• Draws up individual employment plans with consumers, case managers, and other treatment team providers and updates the plans quarterly;
• Spends at least 60 percent of direct service time in the community to engage and support consumers, family members, and employers.
• The Supported Employment Specialists utilize the training tools in SAMHSA’s Training Frontline Staff to maintain model fidelity.
• Supported Employment Specialists will use the tools in SAMHSA’s Using Multimedia to Introduce Your EBP to provide basic training to key stakeholders.
• Markets and represents St. Charles and Supported Employment programming in a positive and professional manner.
• Works to build inroads with business leaders and employers.
• Insure the maintenance of files and electronic databases that reflect current status of participants.
• Completes client data, performance reports and other documentation as required.
• Produce and/or approve reports for funding sources as designated..
• Know and adhere to all internal and external guidelines, including Agency policy and procedure, child labor law, work-study rules, Council on Accreditation and any other that apply.
• The position requires time working outside of the office and some evening hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field.
• At least one year of experience with vocational services and knowledge of the work world are preferred.
• Experience in working with youth and young adults with mental health needs.
• Ability to work as an effective team player is essential.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled in evidence-based practices.
• Able to collaborate with family members, the community, other service providers, and workforce development partners.
• Highly independent requiring minimal supervision.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner
• Ability to maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, individuals receiving services and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision
• Possesses sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability issues.
• Possesses active listening and positive communication skills;
• Demonstrates good computer skills; accurate documentation; ability to meet deadline;
• Has knowledge of substance use issues and mental health needs.
• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare quality reports.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and proof of liability insurance.
• Ability to use vehicle for work related duties according to the agency’s insurance liability standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work may be performed in a typical office environment, training area, or at job sites at the agency or in the community.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and able to operate machinery involved in the job locations.
• Local travel will be required as necessary to fulfill key staff responsibilities. National travel is required for EBP high fidelity site visits.