The Supported Employment Specialist assesses severe and persistent mentally ill client case load for employment capabilities, provides training assistance, offers continuing support, and assists clients target potential jobs, explore job possibilities in the community, and make job placements. Services are offered in a community based or home based settings. Educates employers and community providers about LifeWorks NW's Employment Services and how they operate as a successful community placement model for employing people with long term mental illnesses and encourages them to recognize clients' abilities to be productive and successful.

Location: This position will support Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties as needed. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Meets standards for documentation and work accuracy as defined in the Performance Evaluation including timely completion of progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, authorization requests. 
• Meets standards as defined in the Performance Evaluation for direct service, implementation and utilization of the clinical model, quality of clinical practice and teamwork.
• Interviews individuals and, if applicable, family members or team members in the client support system to complete the strengths based vocational assessment to identify clients' skills and strengths, interests, goals, dreams, aspirations and resources available to reach their goals.
• Counsels individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their vocational situations.
• Develops an employment focused service plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths and needs. Service plans will have measurable goals and objectives based on the diagnosis and will specify type, frequency, intensity, and duration of service. Service plans will be client driven and follow-ups will be completed on time, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
• Researches possible job openings and opportunities for clients by contacting employment services, newspaper want ads, previous contacts, cold calling, and any other means of reaching potential employers.
• Performs job analysis, matching potential openings with clients' needs, skills, and logistics of getting to the job site.
• Establishes and maintains connections with business offering employment opportunities.
• Sets up interviews for clients, assist clients with application, resume preparation and interviewing skills.
• Locates barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, and transportation problems and works with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
• Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy. Provide job coaching as determined by clients' needs and employer's wishes.
• Performs interventions as needed with assigned clients previously placed who may be at risk of losing their jobs.  Work closely with employer and client to resolve issues as soon as possible.
• Coordinates and consults with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress.
• Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding vocational rehabilitation issues
• Refers client or family to community resources including state vocational rehabilitation services and benefits counselor.
• Monitors and tracks employment status. Provides accurate and timely written reports to the Vocational Rehabilitation Division. Ensures timely record maintenance of authorizations for purchase, billings, completed releases of information, and Service Activity Logs (S/AL's). Maintains client records in compliance with agency and confidentiality guidelines. Completes documentation in an electronic health records system.
• Required to transport clients in a personal vehicle and/or LifeWorks NW vehicle.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a valid and active QMHA credential certification through MHACBO. LifeWorks NW can assist in the credentialing process. 
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or a behavioral health related field OR three years of comparable experience.
• Must have a minimum of an additional year of experience in the behavioral health field working with people with disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and individual, group, family and other counseling techniques; program policies and procedures for services and supports identified in an Individual Services and Supports Plan.
• Knowledge of community resources enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.  Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system required.
• Requires access to a car, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and verification of safe driving record from DMV.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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