Employment Specialist, Independence Center

Company: BJC HealthCare
Location: Saint Louis
Posted on: October 11, 2021

Job Description:

Information About this Position

BJC Behavioral Health is a community health center that provides and coordinates behavioral health services for more than 8,000 seriously mentally ill adults and seriously emotionally disturbed children in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. François, Iron and Washington counties. As an Administrative Agent of the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), BJC Behavioral Health serves as a major point of entry for people eligible for mental health services funded by DMH and is responsible for serving as gatekeeper to the public mental health system.

Role Purpose

Fosters an atmosphere of belief in all member's ability to work. Assists members to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals by utilizing the guidelines of two evidence based practices: The Individual Placement and Support model of Supported Employment and the Clubhouse Model of psychiatric rehabilitation.

On-call responsibility by participating in the after-hours crisis phone rotation.

Reviews documentation for compliance and quality. Provides feedback to Supervisor and training/support to co-workers. Assists with oversight of practicum students based on the collaborative agreement with the university.

Responsibilities

• Conducts and engages members in individualized job development and job search activities. Assists with resume development and interview skills as necessary. Provides outreach to members who are disengaged including phone, job and home visits. Participates in and promotes the Evening, Weekend, and Holiday social program.
• Develops and maintains relationships with the business community to establish and maintain employment opportunities. Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by members, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with the employer. Provides excellent customer service to employers.
• Provides as much support as needed to assist members with employment goals -act as trainer, troubleshooter, bus trainer, follow-along support, benefits counselor, advocate and liaison with the employer for Transitional and Supported employment positions. Fulfills placement manager responsibilities for Transitional Employment. Provide crisis intervention services as needed. On-call responsibility by participating in the after-hours crisis phone rotation.
• Acts as a liaison with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and assures compliance with their guidelines. Coordinates services with vocational rehabilitation counselors, Clubhouse staff, Community Support Specialists, and other clinicians at Independence Center as well as community providers. In addition, may assist with management of employment grants and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation billing and budget. Based on program need, provides Field Instruction, mentoring and support to practicum students based on collaborative agreements with the university.
• Partners with members to achieve their goals by creating and updating an individualized employment plan with measurable goals and objectives. Quarterly completes the Daily Living Activities-20 (DLA) assessment tool. Documents progress toward goals based on the Individual Placement and Support model of Supported Employment (IPS) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities employment guidelines. Incorporates input from other supports. Reviews documentation for compliance and quality. Provide feedback to Supervisor and training/support to co-workers. Fulfill the role of Field Instructor for practicum students based on the collaborative agreement with the university. Develop and facilitate formal new staff orientation training and annual competency based training to meet the requirements of the Department of Mental Health and guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
• BJC has determined this is a safety-sensitive position. The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner is an essential function of this job.

Minimum Requirements

• Master's Degree in Social Services or related field
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Requirements

• 2-5 years of experience 

Benefits Statement

Note: not all benefits apply to all openings

-  Comprehensive medical, dental, life insurance, and disability plan options
-  Pension Plan*/403(b) Plan
-  401(k) plan
-  Tuition Assistance
-  Health Care and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
-  On-Site Fitness Center (depending on location)
-  Paid Time Off Program for vacation, holiday and sick time

*Pension does not apply to Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital East, Alton Memorial or Parkland Health Center

Legal Statement

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Keywords: BJC HealthCare, St. Louis , Employment Specialist, Independence Center, Other , Saint Louis, Missouri