Employment Specialist

Community Access; New York (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Employment Specialist to provide vital employment support to individuals with mental health concerns. This role emphasizes person-centered approaches, fostering community connections, and ensuring participant satisfaction in their employment journey. With a focus on recovery and self-determination, you will be part of a team that champions human rights and economic opportunities. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and have experience in mental health services, this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission of Community Access and the Howie The Harp Advocacy Center.
• Experience in mental health services, preferably in employment settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered employment support including job preparation and placement.
• Develop community employer connections to ensure participant success.

Skills

Empathic relationship building

Organizational skills

Documentation skills

Knowledge of benefits and entitlements

Training/group facilitation

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Join to apply for the Employment Specialist role at Community Access.

4 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants.

This range is provided by Community Access. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$26.99/hr - $26.99/hr

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives.

Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT).

Program/Department Description

Howie the Harp Advocacy Center programs are rooted in the value of Peer expertise in recovery and self-determination. The Center is run by professionals who have lived experience with mental health concerns and identify as Peers. Through various initiatives, the Center provides training, internships, job placement assistance, and continuing education services. The ACE program offers Supported Employment services using the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, focusing on the goals and preferences of participants, in collaboration with their recovery teams. The service is free, with a maximum stay of 24 months per participant.

Overview

The Employment Specialist provides person-centered employment support, including job preparation, search, development, placement, and retention coaching to ACE participants. The role involves developing community employer connections and supporting skill development to ensure participant success and satisfaction in their chosen employment field.

Job Qualifications/Requirements

• A commitment to the philosophy, mission, and values of Community Access and Howie The Harp Advocacy Center.
• The ability to create and foster empathic, professional, and respectful relationships.
• Strong computer, organizational, and documentation skills.
• At least two years of experience in mental health services, preferably employment or rehabilitation settings.
• Personal lived experience with mental health concerns; NYS OMH Peer Specialist certification or willingness to obtain within six months (preferred).
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by OMH.
• Howie The Harp Peer Training Program graduate (preferred).
• Training/group facilitation experience (preferred).
• Knowledge of benefits, entitlements, or work incentives (preferred).

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply at www.communityaccess.org/jobs.

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. Women, People of Color, and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.

We aim for at least 51% of our employees to have personal experience with mental health services. More info at www.communityaccess.org.