POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed. Assesses clients' vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload Contacts a minimum of five employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position. Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Adjusts plan according to clients needs and preferences. Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer. Develops an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporates input from mental health team and family members, with permission. Participates in face-to-face meetings with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least once a month to coordinate services for clients. Coordination of services among multiple agencies; Attend scheduled meetings within the community; Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals. Spends 40% of scheduled work hours in the community. For example, meets clients at community locations such as home, workplace, coffee shop, meeting with potential employers, library, One-Stop, VR office, family home, etc. or takes clients to apply for jobs, investigate local GED or colleges, etc. Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation; and Perform any other duties as assigned. Provide timely interventions. Return phone calls and react to situations in a timely manner. For example, returns client phone calls within 24 hours. Goes to see employers about job loss or job problems within 24 hours. Follows up on job leads within 48 hours. Meets with clients within one week prior to job starts and within three days after job starts