Childrens NOVA Supportive Employment & Education Specialist

Jefferson Blount St Clair Mental Health Authority; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jefferson Blount St Clair Mental Health Authority is hiring an Employment Specialist to work with young clients in Birmingham, AL. This full-time position involves assisting individuals ages 15-25 in gaining employment and achieving educational goals.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree, skills in community engagement, and a willingness to work flexible hours. Key responsibilities include conducting assessments, building employer relationships, and supporting clients in their job search within their local communities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals who have serious ongoing mental health issues.
• Valid Alabama driver's license and a suitable vehicle with insurance.
• Completion of DMH-approved training to become a certified care coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in achieving steady employment and educational attainment.
• Build relationships with clients, employers, and educational institutions.
• Document activities and maintain client records in the agency's system.

Skills

Engagement with vulnerable youth

Interpersonal relationship skills

Documentation skills

Communication abilities

Knowledge of community resources

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science in a human services field

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Children’s Main Office - Birmingham, AL 35213; Position Type: Full Time; Education Level: 4 Year Degree; Job Shift: Day; Job Classification: Supportive Employment/Education Specialist; Working Title: Employment Specialist; Division: Children’s Services; Normal Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday (flexibility required to meet client/family needs).

Job Description

This direct care position is part of the NOVA Services Program, which provides treatment for individuals ages 15‑25 experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The role assists clients in achieving steady employment in mainstream competitive jobs and supports educational attainment in their preferred environment. The position is supervised by the NOVA Lead Clinician.

Primary Job Functions

• Serves as a member of the NOVA Treatment Team.
• Engages individuals and builds trusting relationships to facilitate competitive employment with non‑psychiatric peers.
• Conducts individualized vocational skills assessments, using background information, work experience, and preferences.
• Builds relationships with employers, businesses, and educational institutions aligned with the client’s goals.
• Provides supported education, applying principles similar to supported employment for clients interested in advancing employment goals.
• Conducts job development and search activities tailored to each client’s interests and strengths, following supported employment procedures.
• Assists clients in understanding how employment may affect benefits, refers to benefits counseling as needed.
• Educates and supports family members or caregivers about vocational and educational pursuits.
• Participates in weekly team meetings and maintains individual communication with team members to integrate services into mental health treatment.
• Spends 65% or more of scheduled hours in the community, meeting clients in locations such as home, workplace, library, or VR office, and assisting with job applications or local GED/college options.
• Documents activities and maintains client records, completing required data gathering and reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts/Science, preferably in a human services field.
• Experience working with people who have serious ongoing mental health problems preferred.
• Valid Alabama driver’s license and a suitable vehicle with insurance meeting state standards.
• Completion of DMH‑approved training to become certified as a care coordinator.
• Understanding and endorsement of a recovery‑oriented approach to service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to engage vulnerable, hard‑to‑reach youth and promote recovery in those with psychosis.
• Skills in working with young people and their family or caregivers in an educational and therapeutic manner.
• Proficiency in sharing skills and knowledge with others.
• Extensive knowledge of community resources and available services.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues concerning client confidentiality and the ability to interpret and apply them.
• Strong interpersonal and dynamic relationship skills.
• Excellent written and expressive communication abilities.
• Willingness to document activities and maintain records in the agency’s JBS electronic medical record system.
• Awareness of psychotropic medication use and side effects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, make sound judgments regarding client care, and manage crisis situations.
• Effective communication with a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexibility to work non‑regular hours to meet the special needs of the target population and families.