HVRP Employment Specialist (46145)

WestCare; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

WestCare is seeking an HVRP Employment Specialist to assist clients in achieving their employment goals. The role involves engaging with clients, providing support in navigating benefits, and conducting job development activities. Ideal candidates will have a background in psychology or social work, and experience working with veterans is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience working with Veterans and providing employment services preferred.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team is essential.
• Veterans with 4+ years experience working with Veterans and military culture are also eligible.

Responsibilities

• Engages clients and establishes trusting relationships for competitive employment.
• Conducts job development and job search activities tailored to clients' interests.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Basic computer skills

Good documentation skills

Familiarity with military culture

Ability to multi-task

Education

BA degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related fields

Job description

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Position Summary

Person in this position will be responsible for assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

Essential Job Functions

1. Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment.
2. Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
3. Assesses clients' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.
4. Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload.
5. Contacts a minimum of five employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program, and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
6. Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Adjusts plan according to clients' needs and preferences.
7. Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-up contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
8. Develops an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporates input from mental health team and family members, with permission.
9. Participates in face-to-face meetings with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least once a month to coordinate services for clients. Coordinates services among multiple agencies.
10. Attends scheduled meetings within the community.
11. Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for clients interested in education to advance their employment goals.
12. Spends 40% of scheduled work hours in the community, meeting clients at community locations or assisting with job applications and educational investigations.
13. Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
14. Performs any other duties as assigned.
15. Provides timely interventions, such as returning calls within 24 hours, visiting employers about job issues within 24 hours, and following up on job leads within 48 hours.

Essential Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good documentation skills.
• Familiarity with military culture.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Exemption, approved by Human Resources, required to test for the virus weekly.
• Potential new requirements related to vaccinations or other health measures, as mandated by local, state, federal, or funder policies.

Education and/or Experience

• Experience working with Veterans, providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred. Ability to work effectively as part of a team is essential.
• BA degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related fields.
• Veterans with 4+ years experience working with Veterans and military culture are also eligible.

Licensure/Certification

Not applicable for this position

Working Conditions

• Primarily in an office setting with partial remote work.
• Extensive travel within a two-county radius.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting of more than 10 pounds.
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching are performed in the normal course of the position.
• No routine exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, but potential exposure may occur, with PPE available.