Supported Employment Spec

What You Will Do:

General Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator, -the Employment Specialist will provide vocational rehabilitation for people with serious mental illnesses that emphasizes helping them obtain competitive work in the community and providing the supports necessary to ensure their success in the workplace. SE will help consumers find jobs that pay competitive wages in integrated settings (i.e., with other people who don’t necessarily have disabilities) in the community.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Performs supported employment services for clients in the community in accordance with departmental procedures and in line with the State of Maryland EBP certification requirements.

• Engages consumers and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated job settings
• Uses motivational interviewing and counseling skills to assist consumers to develop individual employment goals by exploring their own interests defining potential work experience that is consistent with their recovery goals.
• Develops Individual Vocational Plans (IVPs) every six months that include consumer focused, consumer determined SMART goals (six months), short term objectives, and on-site and off-site employment specialist services. Team involvement in plan development including case manager, individual therapist and other important members of the consumer’s network.
• Following SE 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

What You Need to Be Successful:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in mental health or social services, business, personnel management, or vocational services is required or equivalent combinations of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities have been acquired. Experience working with people with serious mental illnesses, experience with vocational services and knowledge of the work world are preferred.
• Two years professional experience performing counseling, crisis intervention, or equivalent related experience in human services, marketing, public relations or business, is required.
• Working knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs and general knowledge and experience in job development/experience is preferred.
• Possession or access to an automobile along with Maryland state driver’s license is required

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.