Supported Employment Specialist at Mental Health America of NKY and Southwest Ohio Inc. – Newport, Kentucky

About Us

Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio is a forward-thinking non-profit organization that promotes mental health and overall wellness. We deliver a wide range of services including prevention, education, and direct care provision. At the heart of our work are our employees, a highly passionate group of people working together to help our community.

We are an affiliate of Mental Health America, the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives.  The organization has over a century of advocacy, public education, and program/service delivery experience.

Position Summary

Working as a Supported Employment Specialist at Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio is a highly engaging position. You will assist clients with obtaining and maintaining competitive employment consistent with their vocational goals. You will be working with a team of Supported Employment Specialists to provide vocational support for clients diagnosed with a mental health and/or substance use disorder. We are looking for a highly reliable and collaborative individual to join our team. Give us your best and we’ll give you ours.

What you’ll do

• Works with staff, SE team, and community partners including Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to assess participant needs, and determine participant goal activities.
• Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits (SSI/Medicaid/Etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for participants to make good employment decisions; refers participants to benefits counseling as needed.
• Assess clients’ vocational functioning on continuous basis utilizing background information and work experiences; with client permission provide education and support to family members; discuss client preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers.
• Provide individualized supports to assist clients in maintaining employment.
• Develop individual employment and job support plans with the client, mental health workers, other treatment team providers, family members, past employment experiences and information about current employment when applicable.
• Provides supported education, utilizing principles similar to supported employment for participants who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the individuals on the caseload following the principles and procedures of supported employment.
• Conducts weekly employer contacts to learn about the needs of businesses (hiring practices and preferences), describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
• This position requires 65% of time be spent in community settings across all duties and responsibilities.

What you’ll need

• Minimum requirement a high school diploma
• Experience working in a mental health field, employment services and/or substance use treatment
• Hold a valid driver’s license, maintain current automobile insurance, and be able to travel as required.
• Ability to be self-motivated, accountable, and able to manage schedule and work responsibilities independently.
• Completion of Kentucky SE CORE Training Series required at time of hire or within 3-6 months of hire
• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services or Business field is preferred

Reasons why MHANKYSWOH is a great place to work

• 2025 Recipient of the Platinum Bell Seal For Workplace Mental Health
• We advocate for wellness for everyone
• We encourage everyone to explore their talents and work toward a satisfying career experience
• We appreciate diversity and encourage people of all experiences, backgrounds, and cultures to share their talents
• Company sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
• Additional voluntary benefit options
• Vacation time
• Personal time
• Sick time
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Team-building experiences and outings