Supported Employment and Education Specialist (SEE Specialist)

Job Summary 

The Job Placement and Support Specialist will assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment and/or academic standing that is consistent with their vocational, educational, and career advancement goals following the principles of Individualized Placement and Support, an evidence-based practice. Will work with clients to assess vocational and/or academic skills on an ongoing basis. Will provide follow-up contact with clients, as well as behavioral health staff and significant others, to ensure coordination of care. 

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities 

• Initiate and engage behavioral health clients by establishing trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings.
• Assist clients in obtaining individualized information about how entitlements (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) will be affected by employment. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
• Conduct an average of six employer contacts per week to learn about the needs of businesses, describe supports offered by the program, and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
• Engage in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on their caseload.
• Help clients learn about different jobs/careers and/or academic tracks by assisting with meetings with workers/managers to explore jobs, arranging meetings with teacher/academic advisors, and attending job fairs to speak with employers about different types of jobs.
• Attend high school meetings with teachers, such as Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, and Transition Plan meetings, to discuss how students learn best and ways that the IPS specialist can support the student’s education.
• Collaborate with college/university counselors at the Office for Disability Services, professors/instructors, and counselors at the Financial Aid Office, as needed.
• Spend 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meeting clients at their homes, workplaces, coffee shops, libraries, One-Stop offices, state VR office, family homes; helping clients follow up on job applications; and going with clients to visit local GED programs and colleges.
• Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment and/or academic standing.
• Write job and/or academic support plans with clients and incorporates input from significant others (as appropriate) and the behavioral health team. Adjust plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
• Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients. May negotiate job accommodations and follow-along contact by the IPS specialist with the employer.
• Return client phone calls within 24 hours (M-F). Go to see employers about job loss or job problems within 24 hours (M-F). Follow up on job leads within 48 hours (M-F). Meet with clients within one week prior to job starts and within three days after job starts.
• Participate in weekly meetings with behavioral health treatment team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate vocational services with behavioral health treatment.
• Participate in face-to-face meetings with state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors at least once a month to coordinate services for clients. Collaborates with individual counselors between meetings to assist clients.
• With the client's permission, provides information and support to family members and/or significant others.
• Attend the following training annual to enhance knowledge and skills: Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-informed Care, Risk Assessment/Lethality, Mental Health Assessment. 

 
  Other Job Duties & Responsibilities 

• Other duties as assigned 

Job Qualifications  

Specialist  

• Associate’s degree in Mental Health, Social Services, or related field of study from an accredited school.  At least two years of professional experience working with individuals to build and develop individualized plans and goals.
• Knowledge of the worlds of work and academia
• Valid Ohio driver’s license with less than three points, and proof of insurance.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Computer skills; electronic medical record, word processing, database, and spreadsheet software capabilities. 

Professional I  

• Bachelor’s Degree in mental health, social services, or business from an accredited school 
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Preferred Qualifications (for either level) 

• Experience working with people with severe mental disorders
• Experience providing employment support services
• Experience providing academic support services 

The Centers fights for equity by healing, teaching, and inspiring individuals and families to reach their full potential. We provide health, family, and workforce services at 11 locations throughout Greater Cleveland, creating life-changing solutions for people to lead healthier and more successful lives. We strive to be an equitable, anti-racist, and service-oriented workplace that pioneers and co-creates solutions while fostering an inclusive community where our team members thrive.