POSITION SUMMARY:

The Employment Specialist serves as a member of the Workforce Team of WestCare Tennessee and will collaborate with the Project Director, Case Manager, Counselor, and Peer Support Specialist in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Next Chance Workforce grant. This role will include evaluating job readiness, screening, assessing for vocational and training needs for participants in the program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, and goals of WestCare Tennessee. Assess the workplace needs of participants to prepare for job search assistance and employment. Enhance and document vocational readiness skills for participants. Identify employment opportunities within the community. Administer interest inventories, and other appropriate testing, screening, and assessment tools to evaluate vocational and training need of participants. Assist participants in accessing and/or obtaining a High School Equivalency Test (HiSet) or General Educational Development (GED) and other vocational training as needed. Uphold strict confidentiality of individual information. Prepare lesson plans and instruct participants in vocational skills including interviewing, resume writing, work behaviors, work skills, etc. Evaluate and monitor vocational/occupational skills performance to assist participants in maintaining employment, seeking position promotions, and participating in employer offered trainings. Assist participants in securing and maintaining employment. Assist participants who are disabled and cannot work in securing volunteer positions as appropriate. Build relationships with local employers, the Chamber of Commerce, Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and other community resources to develop appropriate community employment positions, coordinate further vocational training or assistance with accessing available job placement opportunities. Work with outside agencies, local businesses, schools to coordinate further training or job placement. Advocate in the workplace on behalf of the participant to employers to improve workplace retention, job performance and vocational skills building while collaborating with Peer Support Specialist in addressing SUD/OUD treatment as needed. Participate in staffing decisions regarding participants' current workplace needs to provide input into the participant’s treatment needs and service disposition to Treatment Counselor and Case Manager. Perform participant follow up interviews to document employment progress, to make additional referrals to needed services and to maintain active communication throughout the duration of the participant’s enrollment in the program. Attend necessary monthly integrated staff team meetings. Maintain strong professional relationship boundaries with individuals served. Maintain strong professional relationship boundaries with organizations/ community agencies who refer individuals to WestCare Tennessee. Submit weekly report to Project Director. Work closely with Project Director, Research Assistant, and WestCare Foundation Evaluation team regarding the collection of data and reporting of program outcomes. Attend in-person and virtual program conferences and meetings, community meetings, and events as deemed necessary. Will engage and complete the required WestCare Tennessee eLearning, and any other program related trainings. Assist other WestCare staff as needed in a collaborative manner to promote cooperation.