Vocational Specialist - N. Seattle

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care; Meridian (WA); On-site; USD 3,306,240 - 4,959,360; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

21 days PTO + 11 holidays

$450 training/professional development

Supervision hours for licensure

PSLF eligibility

Collaborative work environment

Meaningful community impact

Job summary

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care is seeking a full-time Vocational Specialist to bridge community partners and employment seekers affected by mental illness. The role builds community partnerships, provides direct clinical engagement, and helps job seekers find and retain employment.

The specialist must be self-directed, organized, and willing to travel throughout the community. The position involves outreach, career development, job placement, and coordination with treatment teams, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing/sales, HR, psychology/sociology, or related field.
• One year of experience in employment or vocational services.
• Knowledge of mental illness as a hidden disability and the associated stigma.

Responsibilities

• Create employment opportunities for clients through business networking.
• Research and follow‑through on job leads in the local community.
• Negotiate with employers for modifications of job descriptions or restructuring of duties to accommodate support needs.
• Spend 65% of time in outreach, negotiating and seeking career opportunities.
• Provide career development services including vocational planning, job placement, and job retention support for adults with mental health disabilities.
• Coordinate services efficiently with treatment team members.
• Use computer skills to navigate the internet, write and submit reports, and document services in an electronic health record.
• Follow King County’s Supported Employment Program policies and standards.
• Exhibit patience and empathy with our vulnerable community population.
• Contribute to clinical consultation groups, advocating employment as a necessity to a client’s recovery.
• Use software such as Microsoft Office and Salesforce to track data accurately.

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing/sales, human resources, psychology/sociology, or a related field

Job description

SIGNING BONUS $1500

Bachelor's salary range: $23.98 - $30.73

Master's salary range: $27.77 - $35.87

About Us

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care is a non‑profit organization that provides a wide range of mental health services, from inpatient to outpatient care. We believe our employees are our greatest asset and are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a full‑time Vocational Specialist to bridge community partners and employment seekers affected by mental illness. The role builds community partnerships, provides direct clinical engagement, and helps job seekers find and retain employment. The specialist must be self‑directed, organized, and willing to travel throughout the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Create employment opportunities for clients through business networking.
• Research and follow‑through on job leads in the local community.
• Negotiate with employers for modifications of job descriptions or restructuring of duties to accommodate the support needs of the individual.
• Spend 65% of time in outreach, negotiating and seeking career opportunities.
• Provide career development services including vocational planning, job placement, and job retention support for adults with mental health disabilities.
• Coordinate services efficiently with treatment team members.
• Use computer skills to navigate the internet, write and submit reports, and document services in an electronic health record.
• Follow King County’s Supported Employment Program policies and standards.
• Exhibit patience and empathy with our vulnerable community population.
• Contribute to clinical consultation groups, advocating employment as a necessity to a client’s recovery.
• Use software such as Microsoft Office and Salesforce to track data accurately.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing/sales, human resources, psychology/sociology, or a related field.
• One year of experience in employment or vocational services.
• Knowledge of mental illness as a hidden disability and the associated stigma.

Other Requirements

• Current driver’s license and automotive insurance.
• Pass required background checks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive package (medical, dental, vision, 403(b)).
• 21 days of PTO and 11 paid holidays.
• $450 per year for training/professional development.
• Free supervision hours toward Washington State licensure.
• Potential participation in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Opportunities for professional growth and a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of employees/clients.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans and do not unlawfully discriminate under federal, state, or local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

This employer participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; if E‑Verify cannot confirm authorization, the employer will provide written instructions to resolve the issue before taking further action.