Supported Employment Specialist

Ravenwood Health; Chardon (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Generous Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Supportive Environment

Job summary

Ravenwood Health is seeking a full-time Supported Employment Specialist to join our nonprofit team after a merger, bringing compassion and dedication to client success.

You will guide clients through employment planning, engage with employers, and provide ongoing coaching while balancing community-based work 50–60% of the time in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an associate’s degree with 3 years of experience in mental health, social services, vocational services, or related fields.
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred for consideration.
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness or disabilities is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Develops individualized employment or education plans with clients, often with input from mental health teams and families.
• Engages clients to establish trust and collaborative relationships toward competitive employment.
• Assists clients in understanding entitlements (SSI, Medicaid) and refers to benefits counseling as needed.
• Facilitates meetings with employers and academic advisors to explore job opportunities.
• Provides follow-along support to help clients maintain employment.
• Conducts six employer contacts per week to learn needs and describe program supports.
• Coordinates crisis interventions and supports as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Community-based work

Driver's license

Diversity & client engagement

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Ravenwood Health is hiring a full time Supported Employment Specialist to join our team due to exciting program expansion and our recent merger.

At Ravenwood Health, we are looking for professionals who are READY to learn, grow, and serve with excellence; RELIABLE in their commitment to clients, colleagues, and quality care; and CONNECTED to our mission of building healthier communities through compassion, collaboration, and person-centered support. These qualities reflect the core values that guide our work and define our culture.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a salary package that reflects your skills, experience, and contributions.


• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 3 weeks of vacation, along with 56 hours sick time, 8 paid holidays, and 4 wellness days per year. We understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to provide ample time for rest and rejuvenation.


• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to comprehensive health, life, dental, and vision insurance coverage to safeguard your well-being and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones, with 3 options available to support our employees wellbeing.


• Supportive Environment: Receive supervision and ongoing consultation to enhance your skills and support your professional growth. Our team is dedicated to providing the guidance and resources you need to succeed.

The Supported Employment Specialist carries out the services of the Supported Employment program by assisting clients to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. Provides support for schooling and technical training for career advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops an individual employment and/or education plan with clients which often includes input from mental health team and family members, with client permission.


• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in a community job setting with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities.


• Assists clients in obtaining individualized information about how entitlements (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) will be affected by employment so clients can make decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, and helps clients report earnings, as needed.


• Helps clients learn about different jobs/careers by assisting with meetings with workers/managers to ask about positions that interest clients, meetings with academic advisors, observing workers (one day or less in duration), and job fairs to speak with employers about different types of jobs.


• Provides individualized follow-along support to assist clients in maintaining employment.


• Conduct job development and job search activities with or on behalf of a client that is directed toward positions that are individualized to the strengths, needs, abilities and preferences of each client; and follow the principles and procedures of IPS SE. Discuss client's preference for disclosure of mental health symptoms to employers.


• Conduct a minimum of six employer contacts per week for job development. Initial employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business (job analysis), describe supports offered by the program, and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position. Follow up contacts beyond initial meetings are to maintain an established relationship and help facilitate current and future job placements. Responsible for maintaining 50% of caseload employed.


• Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients. May negotiate job accommodations and follow-along contact by the IPS specialist with the employer.


• Conduct outreach as needed


• Coordinate or assist in crisis interventions and stabilization as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work as an effective team member.


• Must be comfortable with 50-60% of scheduled hours being in the community.


• Must have the ability to effectively work with Agency employees, outside contacts, and a diverse client population.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of an associate’s degree with 3 years of experience in the mental health, social services, vocational services, and/or business field is required; a bachelor’s degree with prior mental health, social services, vocational services, and/or business field experience is preferred.


• Experience working with people with severe and persistent mental illness, emotional disabilities, and/or substance use disorders preferred.


• Experience working with people with criminal backgrounds, and experience in rehabilitation services delivery, job training, job development, and/or job placement services a plus.


• Must have a valid driver's license


• Must pass a background check

About Ravenwood Health:

If you are passionate about making a positive impact, thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment, and value work-life balance, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create meaningful change and build a brighter future together. Ravenwood Health is a private nonprofit and trauma informed agency. We strive to provide a safe and compassionate community and work environment that supports and respects the unique journey of each person's professional goals.

EEO Statement:

Ravenwood Health is firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination based on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or genetic information throughout the employment process, from selection through termination. Ravenwood Health expects all employees, vendors, and associates to support the nondiscriminatory policies of Ravenwood Health.