Employment Specialist I

CN Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc; Plainview (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

403(b) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Pet Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Employee training programs

Job summary

CN Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc. seeks a dedicated employment specialist to help clients obtain competitive employment aligned with their vocational goals. You will support assessments, individualized plans, resume building, and interview preparation, while engaging employers and following IPS principles.

The role emphasizes field-based duties, client collaboration, and ongoing engagement with NYESS/TTW systems to advance client careers in community settings.

Qualifications

• Associates degree required.
• Experience with adults diagnosed with behavioral health and substance use disorders preferred.
• Experience providing employment services preferred.
• Valid NY driver’s license with safe driving record required.
• Must be able to pass SSA clearance process to access government sites.

Responsibilities

• Engages clients and builds trust to help achieve competitive employment.
• Assists in completing employment assessments and developing Individualized Work Plans.
• Aids clients with resume writing, interview skills, and job applications.
• Conducts job development and job search activities aligned with IPS model.
• Maintains employer contacts and learns about business needs.

Skills

Behavioral health experience

Employment services

Driver's license

SSA clearance

Education

Associates degree

Job description

JOB DEFINITION

Helps clients obtain and maintain competitive employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Associates degree required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Experience working with adults diagnosed with behavioral health and substance use disorders preferred.
• Experience providing employment services preferred.
• Valid NY driver's license with safe driving record required.
• Must be able to pass the Social Security Administration clearance process which is required to access to government sites used in this position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community settings.
2. Assists in completing employment assessments and developing Individualized Work Plans for clients with employment goals.
3. Assists clients in all aspects of obtaining employment, including but not limited to: how their benefits will be affected by earned income, whether or not to disclose psychiatric status to employers and how to go about doing so, explain gaps in their resumes, resume writing, interview skills training, completing applications, dressing appropriately for interviews, etc.
4. Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of each client, following the principles of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of employment.
5. Conducts multiple employer contacts each week to learn about businesses and employer needs; maintains contact with other community entities related to employment.
6. Provides services to help clients both maintain employment and advance their careers, if they are interested in doing so. This includes: teaching coping skills and problem- solving skills to use on the job, helping people ask for raises and promotions, helping with education and training programs, etc.
7. Transports clients as needed to assist them in their employment goals.
8. Spends at least 50% of time out in the field performing the above job duties.
9. Maintains familiarity with New York Employment Services System (NYESS) and Ticket to Work (TTW); enrolls clients and enter information into these systems as appropriate; participates in ongoing NYESS and TTW trainings; stays informed about updates to those systems.
10. Maintains and submits IPS records; maintains active participation in The Center for Practice Innovations (CPI) IPS Learning Collaborative.
11. Provides ongoing support to clients and staff regarding IPS model of employment; opportunities in the community, and assistance with maintaining employment.
12. Facilitates therapeutic and skill-building groups to help clients progress toward their vocational and treatment goals. Utilize evidence-based materials when facilitating groups.
13. Follows documentation and billing guidelines for all individual and group services; review all documentation/billing to ensure for accuracy.
14. Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team in developing and executing interventions for optimal client care.
15. Represents program at community meetings on an as-needed basis.
16. Ensures a safe, secure and nurturing environment is provided and maintained for clients.
17. Works with the entire CN Guidance team to embrace the continuous quality improvement approach to address systemic, organizational changes, and improve client care.
18. Completes trainings as required by the agency during onboarding, annually, and as needed; complete program-specific trainings related to further developing skills for career growth and optimizing client care.
19. Facilitate sharing of data with the individuals to whom it applies to facilitate partnered decision-making and to keep clients informed of progress.
20. Complete QI Training during onboarding and participate in QI refresher training as needed.
21. Ability to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views and experiences. A Culture that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.
22. Adherence to all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment by following established safety guidelines.
23. Health and Safety Awareness: Include any relevant knowledge or experience regarding health and safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
24. Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

We offer an attractive and competitive benefits package for full time employees which includes but not limited to:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• $0 Deductible Platinum Plus Medical Insurance Plan - 90% Employer Provided Benefit
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Long Term and Short Term Disability
• Legal Plan
• Dependent Care Expense Account
• Life Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• HRA
• Training programs including a Mentorship program
• Employees may be eligible for Federal/Public Student Loan Forgiveness
• Career growth and Promotional opportunities
• Employee Perks and Discounts to Broadway shows and more

5 Personal Days, 10-20 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, 12 Company Paid Holidays-yearly and so much more

__________________________________________________________

CN Guidance & Guidance Services, inspires and catalyzes recovery for people living with mental health and substance use conditions through innovative and person-centered integrated clinical treatment, counseling, housing, and support services.

• Awarded Newsday/Dan papers Top Long Island Work Place 2019-2025, 7 years in a row.
• Every job and every team at our agency plays a role in helping other Long Islanders live healthy and fulfilling lives.
• Engage your passion and CHOOSE a career & employer where you can use your vital energy to make a difference.

It is the policy of CN Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc. to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. CN Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc. prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.