Employment Specialist

JOIN OUR TEAM!

The Employment Specialist helps people living with behavioral health conditions work at regular jobs of their choosing. Works to provide employment services to, or on behalf of, the member to obtain and maintain an individual job in competitive employment, customized employment or self-employment in an integrated work setting in the general workforce.

They operate as part of a non-clinical Clubhouse program providing structure and skills and building opportunities for adults with serious mental illness.

The goal is to help clients obtain and sustain competitive employment.

NOTE : This is NOT an HR or TA position. Please read the posting carefully.

WHAT YOU'LL DO :

• Responsible for development of the client treatment plans in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team that will include specific interventions and treatment strategies to address both strengths and weaknesses
• Work closely with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) personnel to provide all benefits members are eligible for, and to promote seamless care transitions
• May provide some or all of the following tasks :
• Integrate employment with mental health treatment
• Provide rapid engagement and placement for members interested in working
• Conduct aptitude and placement assessments
• Work with the business community to provide and promote job development in competitive employment for persons with disabilities
• Provide benefits counseling to members. Working knowledge of Social Security income, food stamps, Medicaid, Section 8, etc. necessary.
• Provide job supports as wanted and needed
• Assist members in resume development, job searches and interview skills
• Help members identify and use appropriate community resources
• Serve as a placement coordinator for supported employment and transitional employment, ensuring shifts are filled for employers as applicable
• Work alongside members to support Clubhouse operations including tasks in the work ordered day as well as working in community based employment.

Perform tasks necessary for the smooth operation of the Carol Center Program which include, but are not limited to, housekeeping, answering phones, and working with students and volunteers.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED :

• Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field required
• Previous employment experience working with individuals who have chronic mental illness and / or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders (minimum 1 year).

Job development and / or job coaching experience a plus.

• A valid driver's license with a driving record that will allow insurability
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical with a drug and alcohol screen

WHO YOU ARE :

• Humble. You lead with humility and empathy, respecting and learning from the perspectives of others.
• Persistent. Although it may take a while to achieve a goal, you do not give up.
• Conscientious. You keep your promises, taking your commitments to others seriously, and you have strong integrity.
• Compassionate. You have an understanding for others and believe in the recovery process. You are sensitive to the challenges of people living with mental illness.
• Collaborative. You have excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with a variety of people and work in a team environment.

Share Our Values : We are united by our shared values of community service, compassion, empowerment, respect, resourcefulness and professionalism.

Make an Impact : Our mission is to enhance the mental health of all in our community by providing quality, accessible and comprehensive care.

Learn and Grow : Vera French offers various in-house training opportunities CPR, Medication Management and other trainings through our learning management system.

To encourage our staff to continue their education, Vera French also offers a Tuition Reimbursement and Loan Repayment program for all employees after one year of employment.

WHAT WE OFFER :

• Group Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Wellmark Blue Cross / Blue Shield health insurance
• Dental Dental - dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life Insurance, AD&D, LTD through Mutual of Omaha
• Supplemental life insurance, short term disability available
• 401(k) with employer contribution & matching
• Employer contribution 3% of annual salary, vested day one
• Employer matching 25% of every dollar put in by the employee, up to 6%
• Tuition Reimbursement & Loan Repayment Program
• Every employee (full-time or part-time) is eligible after one year of service
• Supplemental Critical Illness and Accident Coverage through Mutual of Omaha
• Paid time off
• Nine paid holidays per year
• Nine paid sick days per year accrued on a payroll basis
• 2 weeks of vacation accrued on a payroll basis

NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO REQUIRE A MEDICAL EXAMINATION

I hereby certify that, if hired, I will disclose any limitations I have that may impact my ability to do the job. I understand that I may also be required to undergo a pre-employment or post-employment medical exam by the VFCMHC' designated health practitioner.

NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO CONTACT REFERENCES AND CONDUCT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

I understand that I may be subject to a background check, and hereby authorize Vera French Community Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates, to investigate my background to determine any and all information of concern as to my record, whether the same is of record or not, and I release employers and persons named in my application from all liability for any damages on account of his / her furnishing said information.

Additionally, you are hereby authorized to make any investigation of my personal history, educational background, military record,

motor vehicle records, criminal records, and credit history through an investigative or credit agency or bureau of your choice. I

authorize the release of this information by the appropriate agencies to the investigating service. I authorize and give permission for

the individuals listed as references to provide written information and / or verbally discuss my background with Vera French

Community Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates.

This authorization, in original or copy form, shall be valid for this and any future reports and updates that may be required.

I understand that passing the background check is a condition of employment. A negative background check can be grounds for

dismissal, even if an offer has been made to me and I have been hired.