Supported Employment Specialist

• ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Meets with consumers to provide intake and orientation to vocational services.
• Gathers information about the consumer’s strengths, needs, preferences, desires, and abilities regarding meaningful activity.
• Assists consumers developing opportunities for community involvement and meaningful activity.
• Advocates for consumer to employers who are able to include or exclude the consumer from involvement in the selected activity.
• Coordinate services with family members, significant others or other agencies, as appropriate.
• Works closely with primary provider of service to ensure continuity of care.
• For example, reports changes in mental health to primary provider so that proper treatment decisions may be made.
• Provides “follow-along” services to consumers who are involved in meaningful activity (such as a work or education, etc.) but who have symptoms that impact their ability to maintain the activities selected.
• Follow along services may include, but are not limited to, the following: contact with supervisors to monitor progress, meetings with consumers to monitor symptoms and to problem solve issues related to the activity, information about how to access community resources (such as Lorain County Transit) so that the consumer may participate in meaningful activities.
• Provide on-site consultation, observation, or assistance when the consumer is in danger of losing meaningful activity because of their mental illness.
• Assists consumer in either retaining benefits, or making provisions for health benefits, when the meaningful activity involves substantial earnings.
• Closes cases in a timely fashion and completes all documentation as required by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and Riveon Mental Health and Recovery.
• This includes writing Individual Service Plans that are specific, measurable and focused on medical necessity.
• These plans must be updated at least every 180 days or when the service needs of the consumer change.
• In addition, this position will document all contacts with consumers within one business day of the contact.
• And all other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED In order to perform the functions of this job, the employee must possess the following: a working knowledge of Riveon Mental Health and Recovery Policy and Procedures, including sensitivity and adherence to clients’ rights, confidentiality, and health and safety issues. Must exhibit sensitivity to different cultures.

• WORKING CONDITIONS The work is provided in a variety of venues and locations including in the office, in client homes, out in various community locations and businesses.
• Because of the variety of environments and physical conditions that will be encountered, this individual must be able to successfully interact and navigate in all types of facilities and weather conditions.
• This includes being able to walk, climb stairs, navigate changing surface conditions including wet, slippery, and icy grounds, and function in the proximity of electrical appliances, open flames and in areas with poor air quality including potentially smoke-filled rooms.
• This individual may periodically be required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds.
• Must be able to physically interact with client and others in emergency situations to prevent harm to client and others.
• The individual in this position must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Due to the extensive computer work this individual must be able to sit for extended periods of time and operate required equipment.

• REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, counseling or a related degree is required.
• An Associate's Degree (or at least junior standing in a Bachelor's level program) in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work or related field and at least 3 years of full-time employment experience working directly with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness will be considered in lieu of the Bachelor's Degree.
• The employee must possess exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills required, including familiarity with Windows Microsoft Office and EMR.
• The employee must be able to conduct business in a professional manner.
• She or he must understand and advocate for consumer rights, confidentiality, health and safety issues.
• Must exhibit cultural sensitivity.
• Must be able to move safely in a variety of work situations.
• Hearing and speech capabilities must be adequate for spoken conversation.
• Bilingual abilities (especially, Spanish and English), are not required, but a great advantage for this position.
• A valid Ohio Driver’s license with fewer than 6 points in a 36 month period.
• Possession of a vehicle with proof of insurance.
• Must be willing to transport consumers.
• Favorable references and/or evaluations.