General Summary:

A Supported Employment and Education Specialist’s primary role is to provide assistance to young adults who are enrolled in the On Track MD program to obtain and maintain competitive employment in community settings and/or to enroll and stay in school.  Competitive employment includes jobs that pay at least minimum wage and includes people who are not disabled.  The SEES will conduct all phases of vocational services including engagement, assessment, job search, job development, and job support and all aspects of enrolling and staying in school.  The SEES spends 65-70% of time in the community.

Schedule: Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm. Some remote work available. 

Principal Responsibilities and Duties:

Assertive Engagement and Outreach: 

Meets with consumers within one week of referral from Team Leader following acceptance into the program. Makes outreach attempts (telephone, mail, community visit) as part of initial engagement and at least monthly on a time unlimited basis while still enrolled in program, unless the consumer takes himself out of the program. Demonstrates tolerance of different levels of readiness to work or returning to school by using gentle encouragement when a client appears unsure of working.

Assessment:

Conducts a written employment and educational assessment (vocational profile/educational profile) that includes the person’s employment or educational goals, background, interests, talents, preferences, skills, other related factors, coping strategies and networking contacts for job search. Uses a variety of sources to put together the vocational and educational profile including discussions with the consumer, written information, case manager, family, and past employers and past educational experiences.    Uses the assessment in an ongoing way including use of environmental assessments in the workplace/school (work environment and conditions and how the consumer is affected, need for accommodations, and experiences).  The vocational and educational profile is updated to reflect these factors. Explores job and educational possibilities with the consumer by walking around the community, visiting possible workplaces and educational opportunities, and doing informational interviews.

Job/Educational Search, Development & Placement: 

The client and the SEES make contact with employers/education programs within the first month of acceptance to the program. The nature of the contact may be to secure a specific job/training or gather more information about different opportunities. Teaches employment related skills as the person obtains and maintains a competitive job, and not before they begin looking for competitive work. Assists consumers to find jobs and that are interesting and meaningful to them and at the skill level they desire by making employer contacts that are based on consumers’ job preferences (Dreams, desires, aspirations; experience, abilities, strengths, interests; accommodations, job setting preferences) rather than the job market. Also assists consumer to look for educational resources/trainings in an area that is desired. Develops an employment/education plan that includes the consumer’s vocational/educational goals in the consumers’ own words and behavioral objectives of how the consumer will meet his/her goal. These objectives are individualized and do not look the same for every person.  The employment and education plan is made within the first month of referral and is updated at least quarterly. Conducts individualized job development by talking to employers about specific clients’ abilities and desire to do a job in their place of business and using extensive networking to identify potential job leads (talking with family members, friends, staff members, previous employers, community members). When a consumer leaves a job, the employment specialist helps the consumer end the job and helps to find another job. Further assistance provided around educational loss as well.

Job/Educational Supports:

When a consumer has obtained a job, the employment specialist provides individualized, time-unlimited follow-along supports to the consumer including crisis intervention, job coaching, job counseling and problem solving, and job support groups to help to maintain the job. When a consumer achieves an educational placement similar supports are offered.  Provides individualized, time-unlimited follow-along supports to employers and educators such as education, guidance and problem solving.

Integration with Mental Health Treatment:

Attends clinical team meetings regularly, serves clients on that team, and becomes familiar with all of the team’s clients. Contributes to the client’s treatment plan and develops goals with clients related to employment and education. Shares clients goals with the team Talks regularly with team mental health providers. Promotes employment and educational options in team meetings, even when other staff members may not identify them as candidates for work or further education. Participates as an equal team member with shared decision-making. Asks for assistance from team members if having difficulty engaging, are unsure about how to move forward with the consumer or the consumer is having difficulty. Shares success regularly with the team. Obtains and tracks initial and ongoing supported employment authorization through state funding sources. Organizes and reports on authorization to Team Leader. Provides education and consultation to team members by sharing knowledge of the consumer in relationship to work and education, promoting work and further education as an option.

Participation in On Track MD Team

Actively participates in team meetings that include the consumer and works with team and consumer to ensure shared decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Education: BA/BS required, preferably in Human Services. Additional certifications/trainings required (or provided during orientation, or shortly thereafter), Competencies: Organizational and time management, ability to establish rapport and to assist client to identify employment goals, to obtain and maintain competitive employment, and to provide internal and/or community referrals when necessary. Ability to work with consumers to establish education and vocational goals.  Supports the consumer in obtaining and maintaining those goals. Language and Communication Skills: Good oral and written communication. Technical Skills: Basic computer skills a must. A current, valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance (which meets minimum MD state requirements), and a current driving record with not more than 3 points are also required for transporting consumers, either in agency or a personal vehicle.

Benefits:

At Sheppard Pratt, you will work alongside a multi-disciplined team led by a bold vision to change lives. We offer:

A commitment to professional development, including a comprehensive tuition reimbursement program to support ongoing education and licensure and/or certification preparation Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits for benefit eligible positions 403b retirement match Generous paid-time-off for benefit eligible positions Complimentary Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Generous mileage reimbursement program

Pay for this position is determined on a number of factors, including but not limited to, years and level of related experience.