Employment Specialist - Independence Center

Additional Information About the Role

• 40 hours per week
• Day Shift
• Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm
• Weekend and holiday rotation
• St. Louis, MO. Facility
• Benefits Eligible
• Working with the behavioral health population by assisting with transitional employment opportunities!
• Experience in community health and social work is a plus!

Independence Center is a unique evidence-based program built on the International Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. The Clubhouse is an innovative, non-traditional approach to recovery that builds self-esteem through relationships in a working community for adults with mental illness. Participants are known as members, as opposed to patients or clients. A Clubhouse is a place to find acceptance, belonging and purpose – antidotes to isolation. Fighting societal stigma, we strive to empower individuals to reach their potential by offering employment, education, wellness, and social opportunities.

When you come up the ramp or steps and through the doors of Independence Center, you might be surprised by what you see. Housed inside, you will find a resale shop, financial center, fully equipped restaurant-style kitchen with a large dining area, wellness center, and a host of other amenities. Independence Center is bright, open, and welcoming. It is bustling with activity, and you can’t tell members from staff because they work side by side. That is all by design. If you have ever been inside a Clubhouse partnership-model program, you know you've come home.

First and foremost, you believe recovery for people with mental illness is possible and you believe in the power of community.

• You respect and embrace diversity and easily build rapport with people from different backgrounds
• You are an energetic, positive, team-oriented individual with an ability to motivate others
• You have highly developed organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• You are a self-starter and creative thinker who works well in upbeat and dynamic environments
• You have a sense of humor and like to have fun!
• You have a willingness to transport people in your own car and sometimes in our large vehicles

Overview

BJC Behavioral Health is a community health center that provides and coordinates behavioral health services for more than 8,000 seriously mentally ill adults and seriously emotionally disturbed children in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Fran�ois, Iron and Washington counties. As an Administrative Agent of the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), BJC Behavioral Health serves as a major point of entry for people eligible for mental health services funded by DMH and is responsible for serving as gatekeeper to the public mental health system.

Preferred Qualifications

Role Purpose

Fosters an atmosphere of belief in all member's ability to work. Assists members to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals by utilizing the guidelines of two evidence based practices: The Individual Placement and Support model of Supported Employment and the Clubhouse Model of psychiatric rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

Works independently to conduct and engage members in individualized job development and job search activities. Assists with resume development and interview skills as necessary. Provides outreach to members who are disengaged including phone, job and home visits. Participates in and promotes the Evening, Weekend, and Holiday social program.Works independently to develop and maintain relationships with the business community to establish and maintain employment opportunities. Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by members, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with the employer. Provides excellent customer service to employers.Uses clinical judgement to assess level of support needed to assist members with employment goals -act as trainer, troubleshooter, bus trainer, follow-along support, benefits counselor, advocate and liaison with the employer for Transitional and Supported employment positions. Fulfills placement manager responsibilities for Transitional Employment. Provide crisis intervention services as needed.Acts as a liaison with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and assures compliance with their guidelines. Coordinates services with vocational rehabilitation counselors, Clubhouse staff, Community Support Specialists, and other clinicians at Independence Center as well as community providers.Utilizes clinical judgement and partners with members to achieve their goals by creating and updating an individualized employment plan with measurable goals and objectives. Quarterly completes the Daily Living Activities-20(DLA) assessment tool. Documents progress toward meeting goals based on Individual Placement and Support model of Supported Employment (IPS), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) employment requirements. Incorporates input from other supports.

Minimum Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Social Services/related

Licenses & Certifications

Valid Driver's License

Preferred Requirements

Experience

No Experience

Supervisor Experience

No Experience
Benefits and Legal Statement

BJC Total Rewards

At BJC we’re committed to providing you and your family with benefits and resources to help you manage your physical, emotional, social and financial well-being.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vison, life insurance, and legal services available first day of the month after hire date
• Disability insurance* paid for by BJC
• Pension Plan*/403(b) Plan funded by BJC
• 401(k) plan with BJC match
• Tuition Assistance available on first day
• BJC Institute for Learning and Development
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off benefit combines vacation, sick days, holidays and personal time
• Adoption assistance

To learn more, go to www.bjctotalrewards.com/Benefits

*Not all benefits apply to all jobs

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Equal Opportunity Employer