Supported Employment Specialist

Primary Job FunctionsGeneral Job ResponsibilitiesServes as a member of the Nova Mobile/Nova Washington First Episode Psychosis treatment teamEngages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of meeting educational goals or securing employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilitiesAssesses clients' educational/vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and experiences Provides psychoeducational services to family membersProvides supported education for individuals who express interest in education to advance their employment goalsConducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the participantsProvides education and support to employers, as agreed upon by clients that may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with the employer.Provides outreach services using a variety of methods as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the serviceAttends weekly meetings with mental health treatment team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate educational/vocational services into mental health treatmentDevelops an individual education/employment plan with the client and treatment team providers and updates it quarterly. Develops education/job support plans with the client using input from the client, family members, past education/employment experiences and information about current education/employment.Spends 65% or more of scheduled works hours in the community. For example, meets client at community locations such as home, workplace, coffee shop, library, VR office, family home, etc. or takes client to apply for jobs, investigate local GED or colleges, etc.Supervision and ConsultationSeeks supervision and consultation as neededAccepts and employs suggestions for improvementActively works to enhance case management skillsRecord KeepingMaintains confidential files containing required information for each supported employment clientMaintains documentation for those individuals receiving servicesProvides timely documentation that meets requirements of various funding sources including Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid, and othersCourteous and respectful towards recipients, visitors and co-workersTreats recipients with care, dignity, and compassionRespects recipient’s privacy and confidentialityIs pleasant and cooperative with othersAssists recipients and visitors as neededPersonal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for othersIs sensitive to the recipient’s needs, expectations and individual differencesIs gentle and calm with recipients and familiesAdministrative and Other Related Duties as AssignedActively participates in Performance Improvement activitiesActively participates in AltaPointe committees as requiredCompletes assigned tasks in a timely mannerFollows AltaPointe policies and proceduresAttends required meetings, in-service trainings, and other workshopsBachelor’s degree in a mental health discipline, successful completion of ADMH approved case management training program and an ADMH approved Supported Employment Specialist training program. Experience working in a mental health field is preferred. Knowledge of youth/young adult specialties, outlined below, to be attained within (6) months of employmentKnowledge of psychiatric disorders in the youth/young adult populationKnowledge of cultural diversityKnowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to acute psychotic recipients; as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practicesKnowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principlesKnowledge of available community employment resourcesKnowledge of educational methods appropriate to youth/young adults with psychiatric disordersExperience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred. Ability to work as an effective team player is essential. Must be 23 years of age, maintain a valid Alabama driver license, and have proof of current liability insurance.