Vocational Specialist

Summary :

The Vocational Specialist will engage clients with significant mental health concerns to assist with meeting personal objectives for improving mental health obtaining employment reaching educational goals and making successful transition to adulthood.

The Education and Employment Specialist will develop and maintain relationships with job sites and community partners to identify competitive employment opportunities and support clients as they choose prepare for obtain and maintain employment and educational goals.

Responsibilities :

Maintains knowledge of best practices in supporting the educational and vocational needs of the targeted population.

Uses Motivational Interviewing to engage clients in treatment and help them identify their goals.

Engages clients in exploring employment and education history and assesses current interests.

Creates job training and job development activities based on needs of targeted clients.

Provides training and support to client at employment or school sites.

Conducts ongoing assessment supervision and skills training to improve client success.

Participates as a liaison between clients employers / educators staff and clients formal and informal supports to promote coordinated delivery of care.

Reviews successes and challenges in job obtainment with client and develop strategies to overcome barriers.

Provides support to clients in preparing for and implementing educational goals.

Participates in multidisciplinary team process to develop treatment plans that promote positive vocational and educational outcomes of clients.

Helps develop person-centered treatment plans that are based on consumer and team input participates in treatment planning review meetings.

Maintains frequent communication and collaboration with client team members and community providers and partners.

Maintains knowledge of available providers and resources in the community to address specialized needs.

Maintains detailed accurate and timely documentation in medical record.

Collects records and analyzes required data within scope of job responsibilities.

Enhances and maintains professional expertise through educational activities and trainings.

Engages in trainings on evidence-based practice models specific to their assigned population including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy implementing learned skills in daily interventions.

Meets requirements for client contact time according to treatment plan and for agency productivity targets.

Follows agency policies and standards for client rights and confidentiality.

Other duties as assigned

Other information :

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS :

Bachelors degree in a human service field such as psychology social work education rehabilitation

At least 2-years of experience working with clients with behavioral health challenges in a mental health or school setting

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

Knowledge of human development and family systems issues.

Knowledge of work and educational resources for clients and families with behavioral health disorders.

Advocacy and teaching skills.

Valid driver's license and use of car during normal working hours or other means of transportation to perform the major functions of the job.

Automobile liability insurance coverage for vehicle being used in accordance with Center requirements.

CPR training obtained within 90 days of employment and maintained annually.

Ability to work collaboratively as a team to coordinate care for youth and young adults with intensive needs.