Valley Behavioral Health Incorporated·Salt Lake City, Utah
The Employment Specialist provides vocational assessments and job placement support for adults with severe mental illness using the supported employment fidelity model. Responsibilities include researching job openings, building employer relationships, and providing ongoing job coaching in community and home settings.
Description Help Connect Clients to Employment Opportunities At Valley's Assertive Community Outreach (ACT) team, the Employment Specialist helps adults with severe and persistent mental illness pursue meaningful employment as part of their recovery journey. Working within a multidisciplinary ACT team, this role provides vocational assessment, job development, skills training, and ongoing support in community and home-based settings. By following the supported employment fidelity model, the Employment Specialist helps clients build confidence, achieve employment goals, and increase independence while receiving intensive community-based behavioral health support.
Highlights Compensation Our compensation program includes tenure-based service increases and performance bonuses that recognize and reward high-performing team members. On-Demand Pay gives you access to a portion of your earned wages before your scheduled payday. Time Off We offer 15 days of accrued paid time off annually (increasing by one day with each year of service), 10 paid holidays, 2 wellness days, and paid parental leave. Health & Insurance Benefits Full-time and part-time team members working 30+ hours per week are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as voluntary options including accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, financial protection, and pet insurance. Valley also provides Basic Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurance at no cost to eligible team members. Health Savings & Reimbursement Out-of-pocket medical expenses may be eligible for reimbursement through our Garner HRA — up to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families. Depending on your medical plan selection, you may also contribute pre-tax dollars to a Health Savings Account (HSA), with a company match of up to $900 for individuals and $1,800 for families. Retirement Our 401(k) plan accepts both pre-tax and Roth (post-tax) contributions and includes a company match of up to 6% of your annual salary. Professional Development We invest in our team members' growth through tuition reimbursement, new licensure reimbursement, paid training and conference attendance, continuing education reimbursement, and paid time for continuing education. Why Valley? Since 1984, Valley Behavioral Health has helped thousands of adults, children, and families access high-quality behavioral health care. As the largest non-profit community behavioral health provider in the Intermountain Region, Valley offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure each individual receives the personalized care they need to heal and grow. You will belong in a community where you can be yourself, grow your career, and embrace new opportunities. Valley is committed to being an organization that promotes authenticity and encourages opportunities for success.
Job Summary The Employment Specialist provides comprehensive vocational support to newly diagnosed and/or adults with severe and persistent mental illness. This role involves assessing employment capabilities, providing training assistance, offering ongoing support, and facilitating job placement through community partnerships. The position follows the supported employment fidelity model and delivers services primarily in community-based and home-based settings.
Essential Functions Conducts comprehensive interviews with individuals and, when applicable, family members or team members to complete strengths-based vocational assessments Develops employment-focused service plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths, and needs; ensures service plans are client-driven and complete timely follow-ups to assess service quality and quantity Researches job openings and opportunities through employment services, job boards, networking contacts, cold calling, and other employer outreach methods Performs job analysis to match potential opportunities with clients' needs, skills, and logistical requirements Establishes and maintains relationships with businesses offering employment opportunities Assists clients with job applications, resume preparation, and interview skills development Provides ongoing job coaching based on individual client needs and employer preferences Identifies and addresses employment barriers such as transportation problems, scheduling conflicts, or workplace accessibility issues Provides crisis intervention when situations warrant Completes documentation in electronic health records systems Prepares accurate and timely written reports for the Vocational Rehabilitation Division and other stakeholders Ensures timely maintenance of authorizations, billing records, and completed information releases Provides individual, group, family, and community counseling on vocational rehabilitation topics Refers clients and families to appropriate community resources, including state vocational rehabilitation services and benefits counseling Participates in ongoing professional development opportunities to develop and maintain vocational rehabilitation knowledge and skills
Education High School diploma or equivalent Experience One year of experience in the behavioral health field working with people with severe and persistent mental illness Licenses/Certificates Requires access to a vehicle, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage
Preferred Qualifications: Previous job coaching/vocational rehabilitation experience
Market context
Behavioral health openings in Utah often reflect steady demand for staff who can support clients in structured, high-acuity settings. These roles can be competitive because employers usually look for reliability, a valid driver’s license, age 21+, and comfort responding to behavioral outbursts, along with passing background and drug screenings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm you can meet the screening and response expectations before applying.
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