Employment Specialist

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Cascadia Health is seeking an Employment Specialist in Portland, OR, to support individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment within a trauma-informed care framework. This role encompasses job development and coaching, requiring a degree in behavioral science and relevant experience in social services. Strong communication skills and understanding of recovery models are crucial for success in this position.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off Package

Medical and Dental Coverage

403(B) Retirement Savings with employer match

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field required or three years experience in social service.
• At least six months experience as a Job Coach or Developer preferred.
• Understanding of recovery model and strength-based case management essential.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in obtaining and maintaining employment in a trauma-informed setting.
• Conduct assessments and develop individualized employment plans with clients.
• Provide job readiness training, including resume writing and interview coaching.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Trauma-informed care

Recovery model

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral science

Experience providing direct service in social services

Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) credential

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Location/Schedule: This position is based at our Plaza Health Center in SE Portland, OR, but work is primarily performed out in the community. The schedule for this position is typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some flexibility in schedule.

Position: Employment Specialist

Mission

Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision

We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Position Overview

The Employment Specialist supports individuals who are enrolled in mental health outpatient programs in obtaining and maintaining employment, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the Employment Specialist understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. The Employment Specialist is responsible for all areas of employment including job development, career exploration, employment preparation, assistance in finding employment and job retention. This position utilizes rehabilitative clinical practices and will work with other service providers in helping the client develop, establish and maintain employment.

General:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ vocational skills, interests, and goals.
• Develop individualized employment plans in collaboration with clients, identifying strengths, barriers, and support needs.
• Provide vocational counseling, job coaching, and skill-building workshops to enhance clients’ employability.
• Facilitate job readiness training, including resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette.
• Act as a liaison between clients and potential employers, advocating for inclusive hiring practices and reasonable accommodations.
• Coordinate job placements and monitor clients’ progress in their employment placements.
• Collaborate with community agencies, vocational rehabilitation programs, and educational institutions to expand job opportunities for clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Regulatory & Compliance:

• Comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program and company operates.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate following protocols and procedures in coordination with the treatment team.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements.
• Understand safety regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with program policies and procedures.
• Complete annual employee training in compliance with program and company requirements.
• Provide guidance, support, and training to other staff in alignment with company mission and values.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and company meetings.

Qualifications

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full-time professional experience providing direct service to individuals in a social service setting. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO.

And...

must possess one of the following:

• Six (6) months of prior experience working as a Job Coach or Developer,
• A bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or Special Education,
• One (1) year of documented experience working with individuals with disabilities,
• Certified Employment Supported Professional (CESP) certificate,
• Completion of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) collaborative training,
• Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) training certificate, or 178468-0/ZJ Page 30 of 58 ODHS PSK (reviewed by DOJ 8/30/2018) Updated: 3/1/2021
• One (1) year of human-services related experience, such as economical disadvantages, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, disabilities, prevention, health, cultural competencies, or housing.

Experience:Experience working with individuals with disabilities or human service related experience is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must understand recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery, evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies.
• Proficient in operating computer hardware and software (including EMR software).
• Ability to enter and retrieve data and to prepare simple reports.

Other:Must have access to a personal vehicle. Possess a valid drivers license, three-year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Work is performed primarily out in the community. The nature of the work dictates that the employee is alert and attentive during his or her assigned shift. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants. The majority of the work is performed during normal business hours with potential of a staff schedule including Saturday or Sunday.

Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach.

Physical Demands: Activities and structure, which assist clients in learning skills and techniques, associated with obtaining and maintaining employment. It is required that this position be approved to provide transportation utilizing agency vehicles or personal vehicle in order to meet clients out in the community.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1stof the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

Cascadia Health is Oregon’s largest community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization. As both a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Cascadia provides integrated mental health, substance use treatment, primary care, housing support, crisis intervention, peers wellness, skills training, and more to individuals and families. Our clients can find the care they need through one team and often in one location, regardless of their ability to pay.