Employment Specialist
Job Description
Position: Employment Specialist
Program/Department: PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services)
Work Location: 1310 Rockaway Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Position Summary:
Brooklyn Community Services PROS is strengths-oriented psychiatric rehabilitation program devoted to helping adults increase independence and overall well-being. The Employment Specialist aids people living with persistent mental illnesses in developing life role goals, in managing symptoms, and in taking concrete steps towards a better life. The Employment Specialist does so through the provision of evidence-based individual and group services aimed at the development of therapeutic and life skills. Working in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, they help program participants identify an individualized, meaningful course of care to become as self-sufficient as possible.
Responsibilities:
•Manage a caseload of 10 to 20 participants providing counseling and case management including engagement with collateral supports
•Conduct required assessments including the biopsychosocial, psychiatric rehabilitation, vocational readiness, cultural, and substance dependence screenings, and career profile
•Develop Individualized Recovery Plans in collaboration with participants based on the above listed assessments on a semi-annual basis, or more often as needed
•Develop and facilitate approximately 4-10 skills-based workshops per week according to protocol
•Develop an employment support plan with participants to assist them in securing and retaining work
•Provide ongoing individual support and assistance to participants in their employment search, including person-centered job development, entitlements counseling, advocacy and referrals
•Continuously identify and share job listings with participants and staff members
•Network with local employers to develop and maintain relationships to increase likelihood of participants securing employment
•Attend all scheduled staff development activities as required for the position, including those related to the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model
•Track and submit periodic employment data to New York state, including Ticket-to-Work data
•Provide services according to evidence-based practices including Wellness Self-Management, Family Psychoeducation, Medication Management, Co-occurring Disorders, and Supported Employment
•Act as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, including participation in regular clinical and administrative meetings
•Possess/develop proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and AWARDS electronic health record
•Manage responsibility for maintenance of records, including timely documentation of services as required by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the Office of Mental Health
•Criminal background check and fingerprinting required; screening against the GSA, OIG, and OMIG lists of persons disallowed from working in Medicaid funded programs
Qualifications Required:
Bachelor’s degree required - preferably in psychology, social work, or human services field. Strong engagement and networking skills required. Computer skills and knowledge of service documentation required. New graduates from above disciplines with internship/volunteer experience encouraged to apply.
Qualifications Preferred:
Prior experience in vocational rehabilitation or job development preferred. Previous experience working with adults with severe/persistent mental illnesses preferred.
BCS requires that all employees entering the workplace be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless an exemption is granted as a medical or religious accommodation.
BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Recommended Skills
- Administration
- Assessments
- Case Management
- Clinical Works
- Electronic Medical Record
- Leadership