Job Summary:

The primary responsibility of an Employment Specialist is to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive community-based employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. Typically, this role is based primarily out in the community, with 65% of the time spent meeting with clients and developing new employer partnerships. Conducts functional needs assessment. Determines appropriateness of Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) services in order to help manage symptoms of mental illness and/or substance use disorders to either restore functional capacity or prevent deterioration in functional capacity. Utilizes clients identified strengths and knowledge base to develop ongoing stability of pinpointed areas of need. Collaborates with client and/or family members on effective skill development approaches based on age-appropriate developmental expectations and unique needs, to include but not limited to coping style, previous experience, developmental level, culture, spirituality, family situation and emotional state. Conducts individual, family and/or group services in various settings, to include but not limited to outpatient, home or community-based environments.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts functional needs assessment; determines appropriateness of IPS services.
• Engage clients by establishing collaborative relationships and assist clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive community-based employment.
• Assess long/short term employment goals and evaluate work, educational, criminal, developmental history, and financial responsibilities.
• With client consent, provide education and support to the family, friends, and potential employers regarding clients' needs and abilities when/if applicable.
• Develop an individual employment plan (IEP) with client input, substance use disorder treatment team, DVR counselor when appropriate, family members, and friends.
• Conduct individualized job development and job search activities.
• Within thirty days of program intake, support clients making employer contacts by applying for jobs, or learning more about jobs available in the community.
• Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment.
• Negotiate workplace accommodations when necessary.
• Participate in assigned meetings for continuity of care and to increase employment sustainability.
• Attend community meetings with clients, job coaching, or job development.
• Actively engages in treatment planning process. Continuously evaluates clients progress; provides feedback to client and/or clients family and treatment team.
• Maintains accurate, concise and timely documentation of services provided.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related field.
• Six months to one year's experience with job development and/or vocational rehabilitation with a similar population.
• One (1) year of professional work experience or volunteer experience in the behavioral health field, preferred.
• Working knowledge of community resources and ability to work with community partners and navigate relationships
• General understanding of behavioral health and/or substance use services.
• Ability to take initiative and use critical thinking to independently problem solve.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License with a driving record that meets the organization's requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possesses the ability to easily build rapport with clients and other team members.
• Proficient computer skills, to include Microsoft Suite, with the ability to type 25+ w.p.m. for the input and output of client information, using electronic medical records.
• Embodies a commitment to:
  • Passion: a commitment to being present in the moment to create excitement and allow individuals to utilize their passion in daily functions. Help individuals connect their daily responsibilities with Diversus Healths larger mission
    • Humility: Level setting with all parties and advocates for all voices within Diversus Health
    • Corporate Citizenship: continued commitment to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of our workforce and their families, as well as of the local community and society at large.
    • Value in diversity: ability to recognize the value in differing perspectives, culture, etc., and leveraging those diverse components to develop experiences aligned with our internal and external communities
  • Innovation: thinking differently than the status quo to explore opportunities that provide a competitive advantage.
    • FUN: Contribute to, and be part of, an environment where individuals feel joy, comfort and connected to the organizations larger initiatives, while simultaneously experiencing a sense of cultural acceptance and belonging
    • Integration: cross functional implementation of theory, principles, and best practices from across the behavioral health industry in order to improve execution of strategies and deliver high quality experiences
  • Excellence: unwavering commitment to work that reflects the standard our colleagues and persons expect and deserve.
    • Transparency: communication, steward of resources, and the mistakes one makes (Fail/Fail Fast/Fail Fast Forward), while giving credit where it is due.
    • Safety: speaks to interconnectedness of all facets (departments and personnel) of the organization

Diversus Health does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.