HVRP Employment Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment
• Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
• Assesses clients' vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload
• Contacts a minimum of five employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Adjusts plan according to clients needs and preferences.
• Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
• Develops an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporates input from mental health team and family members, with permission.
• Participates in face-to-face meetings with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least once a month to coordinate services for clients. Coordination of services among multiple agencies;
• Attend scheduled meetings within the community;
• Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Spends 40% of scheduled work hours in the community. For example, meets clients at community locations such as home, workplace, coffee shop, meeting with potential employers, library, One-Stop, VR office, family home, etc. or takes clients to apply for jobs, investigate local GED or colleges, etc.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform any other duties as assigned.
• Provide timely interventions. Return phone calls and react to situations in a timely manner. For example, returns client phone calls within 24 hours. Goes to see employers about job loss or job problems within 24 hours. Follows up on job leads within 48 hours. Meets with clients within one week prior to job starts and within three days after job starts

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Excellent communication skills;
• Basic computer skills;
• Good documentation skills;
• Familiarity with military culture;
• Be able to multi-task;
• Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with Veterans, experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred. Ability to work as an effective team player is essential.
• BA degree in Psychology, Social work, Human Services or;
• Veteran with 4 or more years experience working with Veterans and their families and military culture.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work will primarily be conducted in a traditional office setting office with partial time in a remote setting
• Extensive travel within a two-county radius; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasional lifting of more than 10 pounds;
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching are performed in the normal course of the position; and
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, BUT exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee engaged in Category II tasks;