POSITION OVERVIEW: The Supported Employment Specialist is responsible for the coordination and identification of client strengths, resources, priorities, abilities and interest to seek and secure competitive employment. The Supported Employment Specialist will be responsible for implementing strategies which maximize employment opportunities for individuals in the community. Special emphasis is placed on providing individualized support to consumers based on their experience level and building working relationships with employers. Approximately 80% of the job is community based. The Supported Employment Specialist is responsible for the assessment and collaborative development of consumer employment goals as outlined by Evidence Based Practices.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides services in order to maintain required productivity/billing standard of 1056 hours per year.

2. Meets deadlines and ensures accuracy of various reports/paperwork, mileage, and electronic timesheets.

3. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of service provision. Completes progress notes in a manner that individualizes each note, reflecting appropriate interventions and progress towards goals.

4. Submits required progress notes/billing information in a timely manner as per agency, MCO/Medicaid, and COMCARE guidelines and contracts.

5. Develops and maintains 3 hours weekly networking contacts for competitive employment opportunities for consumers.

6. Performs assessment of skills and job readiness of consumers. Completes vocational profile within 2 weeks of meeting with consumer.

7. Meets with potential employers within 30 days of consumer referral into program.

8. Completes work assessment with consumer and employer within 60 days of start of consumer employment.

9. Develops and implements individual employment goal plans with consumers. Meets with consumers on a regular basis to accomplish vocational goals.

10. Designs employment training tools and provides training in areas that include (but not limited to): interviewing techniques, resume development, application preparation, grooming and hygiene.

11. Acts as liaison between employer and consumer and provides level of support consistent to consumer need.

12. Coordinates with other services including Vocational Rehabilitation and Kansas Counselors Benefits Network to ensure positive outcomes for consumers.

13. Reports weekly activities in writing to supervisor, including productivity, networking contacts, etc.

14. Meets with Supervisor as needed or per supervisor discretion for individual supervision.

15. Collaborates with the consumer’s treatment team to ensure better health and appropriateness of services.

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Maintains acceptable overall attendance record, to include department staff meetings, agency meetings, and trainings as required. Ensures appropriate notification to supervisor for absences, and ensures that work is covered. Flexible in work schedule when needed.

2. Exhibits appropriate level of technical knowledge for the position.

3. Produces quantity of work necessary to meet job requirements.

4. Works well with a team, keeps others informed of information needed. Treats others with respect, maintaining a spirit of cooperation.

5. Maintains effective and professional verbal and written interactions with peers, customers, supervisors and other staff. Is receptive to constructive feedback.

6. Uses diplomacy and tact in dealing with difficult situations or people. Demonstrates effective listening skills.

7. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to handle new assignments, changes in procedures and business requirements. Identifies what needs to be done and takes appropriate action.

8. Completes assigned work, meets deadlines without reminders/follow-up from supervisor or others.

8. Performs work conscientiously with a high degree of accuracy.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The Supported Employment Specialist is expected to have completed a Bachelor's degree in a human service field or equivalent in post high school education and experience. Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills and strong presentation skills, along with the ability to develop and maintain rapport with consumers, constituents, and staff. Must be able to pass a pre-employment and random drug screening via urinalysis. Prefer experience working with SPMI population. Marketing experience also preferred. A valid Kansas drivers license and access to personal vehicle required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

* Driving (for purposes of community mobility)

* Typing/data entry, writing

* Lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds

* Bending/Stooping/Climbing

All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.

EEO race, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.