Job Description: The Employment & Education Specialist will assist and support individuals in their efforts to achieve steady employment in either a full or part time basis in mainstream competitive jobs. This position will also support individuals within their preferred educational environment in order to promote educational attainment. This is a full-time, salary position working Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
Serves as a member of the NOVA Madison Treatment Team.
Engages individuals and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in integrated community job settings with individuals without psychiatric disabilities.
Responsible for individualized assessment in the area of vocational skills/functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information, work experiences and preferences.
Responsible for building relationships with employers, business and educational institutions that have jobs and educational preferences consistent with the individual's choice.
Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for individuals 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 clients, following the principles and procedures of supported employment.
Assists individuals in obtaining information about their benefits and how they will be affected by employment in order to make good decisions about employment opportunities and refers to benefits counseling, as needed.
Provide education and support to family members/caregivers about vocational and educational pursuits.
Participates in weekly meetings with mental health treatment team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate vocational/educational services into mental health treatment.
Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for individuals who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community. For example, meet individuals in community locations, such as home, workplace, coffee shop, library, VR office, etc. Additionally, may take individual to apply for jobs, investigate local GED or college options, etc.
Responsible for documentation in client records, completion of required data gathering and reports.
Complete other duties as assigned.
This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job and is not designed to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible duties, tasks, or responsibilities that are required of the employee as they may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
