Employment Specialist (PSRB)

Employment Specialist (PSRB)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position is based at the 1818 building located in SE Portland, OR, but work is primarily performed out in the community. The schedule for this position is typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some flexibility in schedule.

Position: Employment Specialist

Program: Supported Employment

Cascadia's Mission and Vision:

Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Position Description: The Employment Specialist supports individuals who are enrolled in mental health outpatient programs in obtaining and maintaining employment, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the Employment Specialist understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. The Employment Specialist is responsible for all areas of employment including job development, career exploration, employment preparation, assistance in finding employment and job retention. This position utilizes rehabilitative clinical practices and will work with other service providers in helping the client develop, establish and maintain employment.

Essential Responsibilities

General:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ vocational skills, interests, and goals.
• Develop individualized employment plans in collaboration with clients, identifying strengths, barriers, and support needs.
• Provide vocational counseling, job coaching, and skill-building workshops to enhance clients’ employability.
• Facilitate job readiness training, including resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette.
• Act as a liaison between clients and potential employers, advocating for inclusive hiring practices and reasonable accommodations.
• Coordinate job placements and monitor clients’ progress in their employment placements.
• Collaborate with community agencies, vocational rehabilitation programs, and educational institutions to expand job opportunities for clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Regulatory & Compliance:

• Comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program and company operates.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate following protocols and procedures in coordination with the treatment team.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements. 
• Understand safety regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with program policies and procedures.
• Complete annual employee training in compliance with program and company requirements.
• Provide guidance, support, and training to other staff in alignment with company mission and values.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and company meetings.

Qualifications

Education: 

Required: Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full-time professional experience providing direct service to individuals in a social service setting. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO.

And...

must possess one of the following:

• Six (6) months of prior experience working as a Job Coach or Developer, 
• A bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or Special Education, 
• One (1) year of documented experience working with individuals with disabilities, 
• Certified Employment Supported Professional (CESP) certificate, 
• Completion of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) collaborative training, 
• Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) training certificate, or 178468-0/ZJ Page 30 of 58 ODHS PSK (reviewed by DOJ 8/30/2018) Updated: 3/1/2021 
• One (1) ye