•
•
For 50 years, Buckelew Programs has been committed to the mission of providing mental health and addiction services that promote recovery, resilience and hope. The agency provides numerous essential community services throughout Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties ranging from supported housing and job training for people with mental illness to outpatient psychotherapy and other support for children, adults and families, as well as residential detoxification services, and a regional suicide prevention program and crisis hotline. The Employment Specialist works in the Buckelew Employment Services program and works primarily with adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness to develop skills to gain and retain employment in the community. In addition, the Employment Specialist connects with employers and vendors in placing clients in positions. Will work with clients to complete a vocational assessment, create an individualized service plan, and facilitate weekly orientation for potential new clients in the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administrative:
- Complete all documentation pre and post Department of Rehabilitation authorizations. Documentation includes intakes, vocational assessments, individualized service plans, and ongoing case care notes.
- Maintain client files in adherence to HIPAA and CARF guidelines.
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Conduct intakes to assess all new clients to determine client’s interests, strengths and areas of weakness, and complete assessment reports in a timely manner. This includes Vocational Assessment (VA) services, authorized by a Department of Rehabilitation Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, which assess basic information about a DOR consumer’s current educational and vocational levels, abilities, and interests.
- Create an Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each new client that guides the delivery of services. Information reviewed at intake shall be considered when developing the ISP. ISP is measurable, includes goals, and implementation process.
- Assist clients to develop individualized employment preparation, job development and job placement goals, consistent with the consumer’s Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) as developed by the Department of Rehabilitation.
- Work with clients individually and/or in groups to discuss co-worker relationships, common problems, develop work schedules, and address other issues that will facilitate development of “soft” work skills.
- At the end of job training, deliver job development and job placement services to clients with the goal of achieving part time (20+ hours/week) to full time employment (for a minimum of 90 days of continuous employment) in the area of work in which the client was trained.
- After job placement, assist clients with job retention through regular check-ins, support, encouragement, and advice.
Program Quality and Compliance:
- Maintain current client records in keeping with regulations required by various funding and compliance sources including Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), HIPAA, and CARF.
- Be a positive ambassador for the program and agency in the community.
- Coordinate with Job Coaches in providing services to designated clients.
- Assist in case management/tracking of clients to ensure service outcome goals are met.
- Keep supervisor informed about client progress and any anticipated problems or issues.
- Actively participate in regular staff meetings and develop good working relationships with all Buckelew Programs, Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), and other identified community partners.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience: Associate degree preferred in mental health or related field. At least two years’ experience working in vocational services, preferably with persons with mental illness, is required. Bilingual preferred.
Professional: Computer and office skills in Microsoft word, Excel, Google docs, email, fax, cloud based programs, and Electronic Health records (EHR) are needed, accompanied by excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be fluent in English (written and verbal); Spanish language skills a plus. Ability to work autonomously with focused direction, advocate for team approach, utilize strong organizational skills, project appropriate confidence, listen well, problem solve in on-the-spot situations, remain calm and reassuring in unexpected situations. Must have an interest in working with persons with mental and/or behavioral health disabilities. Ability to work flexible hours required (generally normal business hours, with occasional flexibility needed for evening availability). Must be able to work within with all the rules, regulations, and policies that govern agency compliance. Applicants must have valid California driver’s license with an insurable driving record, use of own vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed).
Physical requirements: Capable of the following intermittent activities: stretching, bending, kneeling, twisting, squatting, reaching above or below the shoulder, pushing, pulling, grasping, and lifting to 40 pounds. Job frequently requires sitting, handling objects with hands and the use of fine motor skills. Often operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, and hearing. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
AA/EOE
Monday to Friday with a flexible schedule between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM 20 hours per week