The Opportunity: We are seeking to hire a Supported Employment Specialist to join our Employment Services team. This individual will carry out the services of the Supported Employment Program by assisting consumers to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences and IPS SE principles. These services are consistent with the standard practices of CSS and Medicaid guidelines.
What You’ll Do:
- Engage clients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated community settings.
- Follow the Supported Employment model of the fidelity review program.
- Support clients in understanding information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for them to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Help clients to access benefits counseling when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
- Assess clients’ vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.
- Follow the billing practices for ADM and OOD funding.
- Develop resume and employment applications with the client.
- Discuss with client their preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers, including possible costs, benefits, and specific information to be disclosed.
- Spend 65% of time in the community developing employer relationships, conducting job development and job search activities, making at least six employer contacts each week.
- Provide job coaching and individualized follow-along supports to clients as necessary.
- Assure ongoing communication and coordination of services with other service providers working with the client, including attending team meetings.
- This position is full-time (40 hours a week) working normal business hours.
About Us: For 35 years, Community Support Services has been making a difference in the lives of countless individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Our nearly 300 employees are real-life champions committed to quality treatment, collaborative care, and effective outcomes. Located in downtown Akron, Ohio, we serve as a leader in behavioral health care for the entire Summit County area.
What We’re Looking For:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience in mental health, social sciences, or business.
- Excellent organizational, attention to detail and communication skills.
- Experience working with people with severe mental illness.
- Experience providing employment services and knowledge of the work world.
- Ability to develop positive relationships with individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse challenges.
- Strong listening skills. Experience with motivational interviewing preferred.
- Perseverance in goals with individuals who may not improve or may only improve slowly.
- Skill in assessing individuals for strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Commitment to confidentiality, following rules of HIPAA.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.
- Skill in managing time and meeting deadlines.
- Knowledge of community resources and demonstrated ability to access.
- Ability to work non-judgmentally with individuals whose behavior and belief systems are incongruent with that of society and/or your personal beliefs.
What We Offer:
- Pay for this position starts at $19-25/hour
- Working within in a mission-driven, highly engaged environment
- A supportive, professional workplace with excellent resources
- Engaging, autonomous atmosphere
- Professional Development Assistance and Education Assistance Program
- Program-Site Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- 401(k) with 5% employer contribution
- 10 paid holidays and 15+ days of PTO annually
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Subsidized membership to local YMCA branches
- Life insurance and short- and long-term disability
