Childrens NOVA Supportive Employment & Education Specialist

Jefferson Blount St Clair Mental Health Authority; Springdale (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson Blount St Clair Mental Health Authority is seeking an Employment Specialist for the NOVA Services Program to assist youths ages 15-25 in obtaining steady employment in mainstream jobs and supporting their educational goals.

The role emphasizes building relationships with employers and educational institutions, conducting job development, and providing education support within a recovery-oriented framework. Travel in the community is a core component.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a human service field is required.
• Experience with youth/young adults in mental health settings is preferred.
• Knowledge of confidentiality and ethical issues in client records.

Responsibilities

• Engage with clients to support entry into competitive employment.
• Provide supported education and employment planning aligned with client goals.
• Develop relationships with employers and educational institutions for opportunities.
• Document activities and maintain client records per agency standards.
• Work 65%+ in community settings (home, school, workplace, VR office).
• Coordinate with mental health treatment team to integrate vocational services.

Skills

Engagement with youth

Recovery-oriented approach

Interpersonal relationships

Written/expressive communication

Documentation and records

Team collaboration

Crisis assessment and management

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science in human service field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTIONJob Classification: Supportive Employment/Education SpecialistWorking Title: Employment SpecialistThis is a direct care position for the NOVA Services Program. NOVA provides treatment for individuals ages 15-25 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. NOVA’s goal is to address the critical domains of functioning for youth/young adults, to include working, learning, living, belonging and healing through a strengths-based individualized team process. This position will assist and support individuals in their efforts to achieve steady employment in either a full or part time basis in mainstream competitive jobs. This position will also support individuals within their preferred educational environment in order to promote educational attainment.Supervised by: NOVA Lead ClinicianDivision: Children's ServicesNormal Work Hours/Days: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Monday – Friday. Flexibility in hours as required to meet client/family needs.PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:Serves as a member of the NOVA Treatment Team.Engages individuals and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated community job settings with individuals without psychiatric disabilities.Responsible for individualized assessment in the area of vocational skills/functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information, work experiences and preferences.Responsible for building relationships with employers, business and educational institutions that have jobs and educational preferences consistent with the individual's choice.Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for individuals who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of clients, following the principles and procedures of supported employment.Assists individuals in obtaining information about their benefits and how they will be affected by employment in order to make good decisions about employment opportunities and refers to benefits counseling, as needed.Provide education and support to family members/caregivers about vocational and educational pursuits.Participates in weekly meetings with mental health treatment team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate vocational/educational services into mental health treatment.Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for individuals who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community. For example, meets individuals in community locations, such as home, workplace, coffee shop, library, VR office, etc. Additionally, may take individual to apply for jobs, investigate local GED or college options, etc.Responsible for documentation in client records, completion of required data gathering and reports.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor of Arts/Science, preferably in a human service field.Enjoy working with youth/young adults.Experience working with people who have serious ongoing mental health problems preferred.Valid Alabama driver's license and a suitable automobile to permit the required travel. Must show car insurance equal to or in excess of the State of Alabama standards for automobile insurance coverage.Must become certified as a care coordinator by completing DMH-approved trainingMust understand and endorse a recovery-oriented approach to providing servicesKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Ability to engage with vulnerable and hard to reach young people.Ability to promote recovery in young people with psychosis.Ability to work with young people and their care takers/family in an educational and therapeutic way.Ability to share skills and knowledge with othersExtensive knowledge of the community and available community resources.Knowledge of the legal and ethical issues relative to confidentiality of client records and the ability to interpret and apply them.Skills in interpersonal relationships and dynamics.Considerable written and expressive communication skills.Ability and willingness to document activities and maintain records according to agency standards, competence in using JBS electronic medical record.Acquainted with the use and side effects of psychotropic medications.Demonstrable ability to work independently and to make sound judgements regarding client care.Experience of assessing and managing crisis in people with severe mental health problems.Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team.Ability to work flexible hours due to the special needs of the target population and their families.