UPMC is hiring a part-time Supported Employment Specialist to support Western Behavioral Health at Mon Yough

The incumbent is primarily responsible for carrying out the services of the supported employment program by assisting consumers in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their vocational goals and recovery.

While this role is based in McKeesport, the incumbent will spend the majority of working hours in the field supporting clients throughout Allegheny County. A work vehicle is available for work-related travel. The incumbent will primarily work daylight hours, but flexibility is required to accommodate clients. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and will be able to work well independently.

Responsibilities:

·       Partners with consumers in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with the needs and interests of consumers on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of recovery and evidenced-based supported employment.

·       Spends direct service time in the community to engage and support consumers, family members, and current and/or potential employers.

·       Completes and maintains all required program documentation, meeting requirements of all payors, including but not limited to Pennsylvania State guidelines for DHS, OVR, Ticket-to-Work, etc.

·       Provides assistance to other employment specialists in training consumers to perform the tasks required of the job.

·       Provides individualized, follow-along services to assist consumers in sustaining employment.

·       Assesses consumer’s vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.

·       Provides education and support to employer, as agreed upon by the consumer, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow along contact with the employer.

·       Engages consumers and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated job settings.

·       Meets regularly with treatment team members (SCU, OVR, Clinical, Psych Rehab, consumer, and family member(s) if requested by consumer), to integrate vocational services into mental health treatment.

·       Supports a caseload of vocational service participants and develops the individual vocational service plan with the consumer and other treatment team providers with monthly updates.

·       Accompany consumers to and from sites for Community Based Work Assessment, employment interviews, employment, and job development activities, as needed.

·       Completion of 24 hours of staff development training, as approved by supervisor.

·       Adheres to and supports UPMC’s mission and vision, guiding principles, and all related program, department, and agency policy and procedure.

·       Facilitates and/or provides outreach services as necessary to consumers when they appear to disengage from the service.

·       Maintains some contact with consumers even without a vocational focus if necessary to sustain engagement.

·       Demonstrates the ability to identify consumer’s interests, strengths, skills, abilities, and unique set of challenges, and match them with jobs.