Supported Employment Specialist, ACT

ACT is an intensive Assertive Community Treatment fidelity program. This is a community-based program, with approximately 80% of your time spent in the community with smaller caseloads.

The Supported Employment Specialist assesses newly diagnosed and/or severe and persistent mentally ill adolescent and young adult client case load, and/or severe and persistent mentally ill adult 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. 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. Follows the supported employment fidelity model created by the IPS Employment Center. Services are primarily offered in a community based or home-based settings.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Beaverton site.

Pay/Benefits: $24.45 starting hourly pay, plus Full benefits.

EssentialResponsibilities:

• Interviews individualsand, if applicable, family members or team members in the client support systemto complete the strengths based vocational assessment to identify clients'skills and strengths, interests, goals, dreams, aspirations and resources availableto reach their goals.


• Counsels individuals tohelp them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problemsaffecting their vocational situations.


• Develops an employmentfocused service plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths andneeds. Service plans will have measurable goals and objectives based on thediagnosis 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.


• Researchespossible job openings and opportunities for clients by contacting employmentservices, newspaper want ads, previous contacts, cold calling, and any othermeans of reaching potential employers.


• Performsjob analysis, matching potential openings with clients' needs, skills, andlogistics of getting to the job site.


• Establishesand maintains connections with business offering employment opportunities.


• Monitorsand tracks employment status. Provides accurate and timely written reports tothe Vocational Rehabilitation Division. Ensures timely record maintenance ofauthorizations for purchase, billings, and completed releases of information. Maintainsclient records in compliance with agency and confidentiality guidelines.Completes documentation in an electronic health records system.


• Setsup interviews for clients, assist clients with application, resume preparationand interviewing skills.


• Locates barriers to clientemployment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, andtransportation problems and works with clients to develop strategies forovercoming these barriers.


• Maintain close contactwith clients during job training and placements to resolve problems andevaluate placement adequacy. Provide job coaching as determined by clients' needs andemployer's wishes.


• Performsinterventions as needed with assigned clients previously placed who may be atrisk of losing their jobs. Work closely with employer and client to resolveissues as soon as possible.


• Coordinatesand consults with other team members to keep team informed of issues andprogress.


• Counsels individuals,groups, families, or communities regarding vocational rehabilitation issues.


• Refers client or family tocommunity resources including state vocational rehabilitation services andbenefits counselor.


• Provides crisisintervention to Clients when difficult situations occur.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, SocialWork or other mental health related field and/or a minimum of three full yearsworking with a similar population required.


• Must be credentialed through MentalHealth & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).All prospective candidates must have a valid MHACBO registration number uponhire.


• Must have a minimum of an additional yearof experience in the behavioral health field working with people withdisabilities.


• Requires access to acar, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverageand ability to meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements. Required to transport clients in a personal vehicle and/or LifeWorks NW vehicle.


• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel,and Word. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic healthrecord system required


• Must be able to pass a DHS backgroundcheck.


• Demonstratedability to communicate effectively; understand mental health assessment,treatment and service terminology and individual, group, family and othercounseling techniques; program policies and procedures for services andsupports identified in an Individual Services and Supports Plan.


• Abilityto provide employment services and compliance with confidentially in accordancewith federal, state and/or funding source requirements.

This is a represented position.

WorkingConditions

This is a full-timeposition working daytime hours. Occasional nights and weekends may be needed,based on client employment needs. The primary method for services are communityor home based. However, this position might do some telehealth work aswell in the situations when in-person appointments could not be safelyconducted (e.g., Covid-19, inclement weather, etc.).

This position may beresponsible for the ACT 24-hour crisis phone periodically if the supportedemployment specialist is assigned to work with ACT team at Beaverton location.

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

Drug Free/Tobacco Free Site 01/09

Compensation details: 24.45-24.45 Hourly Wage

PIe2089e2ec2-