Supported Employment and Education Specialist

The Centers•Cleveland, OH

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Supported Employment Specialist for IPS/SUD will assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment and/or academic standing that is consistent with their vocational, educational, and career advancement goals following principles based on Individualized Placement and Support, an evidence-based practice. Collaborates with clients to assess vocational and/or academic skills on an ongoing basis. Provides follow-up contact with clients, as well as treatment staff and significant others, to ensure coordination of care. Position is Monday-Friday, 25 % In-person, 75% in the community

Requirements

Valid Ohio driver license with less than three (3) points and proof of auto insurance.
High school diploma with at least two years of professional experience working with individuals to build and develop individualized plans and goals.
Associate’s degree in Mental Health, Social Services, or related field of study from an accredited school.
At least two years of professional experience working with individuals to build and develop individualized plans and goals.
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in effectively using database software, computer hardware, and any job performance-related technologies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Mental Health, Social Services, or related field of study from an accredited school.
Experience working with people with severe mental and/or substance disorders.
Experience providing employment support services.
Experience providing academic support services.

Responsibilities

Initiates and engages clients by establishing trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings.
Assists clients in obtaining individualized information about how entitlements (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) will be affected by employment. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
Conducts an average of six employer contacts a week to learn about the needs of businesses, describe supports offered by the program, and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
Engages in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on their caseload.
Helps clients learn about different jobs/careers and/or academic tracks by assisting with meetings with workers/managers to explore jobs, arranging meetings with teacher/academic advisors, and attending job fairs to speak with employers about different types of jobs.
Attends high school meetings with teachers, such as Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, and Transition Plan meetings, to discuss how students learn best and ways that the Supported Employment (SE) Specialist can support the student’s education.
Collaborates with college/university counselors at the Office for Disability Services, professors/instructors, and counselors at the Financial Aid Office, as needed.
Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meeting clients at their homes, workplaces, coffee shops, libraries, One-Stop offices, state Vocational Rehabilitation office, family homes; helping clients follow up on job applications; and going with clients to visit local GED programs and colleges.
Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment and/or academic standing.
Writes job and/or academic support plans with clients and incorporates input from significant others (as appropriate) and the treatment team. Adjust plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients. May negotiate job accommodations and follow-along contact by the Supported Employment Specialist with the employer.
Returns client phone calls within 24 hours (Mondays through Fridays). Go to see employers about job loss or job problems within 24 hours (Mondays through Fridays). Follow up on job leads within 48 hours (Mondays through Fridays). Meet with clients within one week prior to job starts and within three days after job starts.
Participates in weekly meetings with treatment team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinator and integrate vocational services with treatment.
Participates in face-to-face meetings with state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors at least once a month to coordinate services for clients. Collaborates with individual counselors between meetings to assist clients.
With the client's permission, provides information and support to family members and/or significant others.
Attends the following training annual to enhance knowledge and skills: Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-informed Care, Risk Assessment/Lethality, Mental Health Assessment, and Substance Use Disorder
Performs other related duties as assigned.