Employment Specialist

Employment SpecialistJoin a compassionate, collaborative team making a measurable difference in people's lives by supporting individuals to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Five reasons to apply: meaningful mission-driven work; hands-on job development and community engagement; flexible scheduling that values work-life balance; opportunities to build employer partnerships and professional skills; and a supportive team culture focused on client success. We seek a motivated, empathetic self-starter with strong communication, community outreach, and problem-solving skills.The Employment Specialist develops and implements individualized vocational services including career planning, job placement, and retention supports. You will assess client strengths and barriers, create employer relationships, provide on-site supports, coordinate benefits planning, and track outcomes to promote long-term vocational success in an integrated community setting.This position offers:Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no costMileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travelEmployee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College TuitionWorkplace Culture – An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforceAdditional Perks & Benefits – Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn moreKey Responsibilities:Develop individualized career plans and provide vocational counseling through interviews and community-based activities to identify strengths, needs, abilities, and employment goalsConduct job development and employer outreach to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities and build lasting employer relationshipsProvide job placement support, on-site and off-site job coaching, and crisis response at worksites as needed to ensure retention and long-term successTeach and reinforce job-seeking and job-retention skills; assist with benefits planning at service onset and prior to job starts or changes in hours/payMarket clients and services, promote the program at community events, and deliver presentations to employers and stakeholdersMaintain regular contact with referral sources, participate in team/planning meetings, and report job development outcomes and metrics to supervisorsCompile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational records to inform individualized planningAdhere to confidentiality, CARF, contractual standards, and agency policies; maintain flexible availability including evenings, overnights, and weekends as requiredTravel extensively for job development and client supports; transport clients when necessaryEducation, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent requiredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field preferredMinimum one year of experience providing employment or vocational servicesAdditional Qualifications:Understanding of supporting individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment, including mental health and substance use challengesKnowledge of case management, rehabilitation methods, community resources, and relevant legal/court proceduresStrong verbal and written communication and customer service skillsProficiency with Word, Excel, internet platforms, and electronic mediaSuccessful completion of background check (criminal, driving, abuse/neglect, fingerprint)Current driver's license, acceptable driving record, and auto insuranceMust provide evidence of being free from infectious/contagious disease (e.g., TB) prior to hire and annually as requiredPhysical Requirements:Sedentary work: may exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and perform repetitive hand/finger movements for typing/writingPrimarily sitting with occasional walking or standing; may require brief periods of more active mobility during community-based activitiesKeywords: Employment Specialist, job development, job coaching, vocational services, benefits planning, employer outreach, supported employment, community integration, disability support, vocational counselorPosition Perks & Benefits:Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal lifeEmployee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & moreTop-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportiveCareer mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from withinWelcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happinessBrightli is on a Mission:A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.