EOE STATEMENT: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Description

Career Specialist

Company: CareLink Community Support Services

For over 60 years, CareLink Community Support Services has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities to live in the community with dignity and independence. Our rehabilitation services and professional staff provide the support that people with serious mental illness, physical disabilities and other developmental challenges need to be active, productive members of their communities.

Location: Chester, PA 19013 (Career Services Program)

Pay Rate: $18.50 an hour

Job Type: Full-time

Available Shifts:

1st shift Monday through Friday (37.5 hours a week)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay
• Bereavement leave
• 403 (b) retirement plan
• Long term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Basic life insurance and basic AD&D coverage at no cost to employees
• Voluntary, employee paid benefit plans: Short term disability and Supplemental life insurance and AD&D
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

The Career Specialist is responsible for promoting recovery, wellness, and self-determination for individuals participating in services by implementing, supporting, and documenting activities that promote recovery. Our DSP is responsible for supporting community integration. The goal of the counselor is to promote the pursuit of independence for all individuals participating in service. The essential functions are established based upon the agency mission, values, and goals.

Qualifications:

Required/ Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree

Field of study: Human Services or related field

Work Experience: 2 to 3 years

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations Required: CPRP is preferred, Valid Driver's License

Essential Functions:

• Meet with potential employers and develop contacts that are interested in employing Career Services Program consumers.
• Provide presentations to referral sources, businesses, colleges, and other community groups as needed to explain the Career Services Program.
• Responsible for coordination and following of the referral and intake process.
• Responsible to meet with Director to determine final eligibility and with staff to introduce consumer's information.
• Responsible for conducting intake into the Career Services Program.
• Ensure that discharge follow-ups are done and information logged.
• Develop a Job Bank database of employers and the Career Services Program.
• Act as liaison between employers and the Career Services Program.
• Assist employers and consumers in understanding and applying the ADA.
• Assist employers in obtaining state and federal tax credit when applicable.
• Meet with new program consumers and develop an Individual Career Service Plan outlining goals and action steps as required.
• Provide vocational and educational supports while maximizing consumer independence.
• Assist program participants with job applications, resumes, references and job interviews.
• Pre-screen job applicants and assess potential work environments.
• Assist consumers with employment forms (I-9, W4, etc.) as necessary.
• Provide job coaching services to participants when necessary.
• Provide transportation to consumer when necessary and provide training on alternative transportation modes (SEPTA, etc.).
• Address issues regarding communication and social skills, professionalism, and hygiene as needed.
• Work with consumers to understand SSI, SSDI, or other benefits programs and incentives to work, as well as other impacts of new income on those benefits.
• Meet with consumers at least monthly to address Service Plan goals.
• Handle on-going follow up with consumers and employers as needed.
• Document all consumer career services interactions in progress notes as required.
• Prepare monthly reports and submit to Career Services Supervisor.
• Attend and be prepared for all scheduled Career Services staff and supervision meetings.
• Meet with referring and/or funding agencies when appropriate.
• Meet with families of consumers when appropriate.
• Assist Career Services Supervisor and Staff in designing new training as needed.
• Conduct consumer education and training groups.
• Coordinate job development and coaching activities with Supervisor and other Employment Specialist(s) to maximize program services.
• Keep supervisor informed in order to prioritize duties, update progress, schedules, etc.
• Assist the director with development of career services program in new counties.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Perform job within framework of agency, site and professional standards.
• Attend and participate in agency events.
• Adhere to agency/site policies and procedures.
• Project a positive and image to consumers, family members, staff and outside contacts.
• Use appropriate communication channels.
• Participate in achievement of agency goals, mission and objectives.
• Display motivation and interest in working creatively with people who have mental illness.
• Demonstrate the ability to make sound judgements regarding the welfare of consumers.
• Display knowledge of basic principles and methods or rehabilitation.
• Follow expected dress code and dress appropriately to represent the agency in business settings.
• Cooperate/coordinate with other staff and exhibit positive attitude toward position and agency mission.
• Show initiative and demonstrate good judgement.
• Attend meetings and conferences as required.
• Complete assigned tasks within expected time frames.
• Performs job in a safe manner.
• Reports/addresses safety concerns in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Strong collaborating skills, and an ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive.
• Knowledge of basic principles and methods of vocational rehabilitation required.
• Motivation, interest and ability to work empathetically and creatively with people who have mental illness required.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team required.
• Ability to take direction as well as direct others required.
• Ability to make sound judgements regarding the health/welfare of consumers required.
• Demonstrated and consistent sales ability required.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential information required.
• Ability to appropriately interact with all parties related to provision of services.
• Ability and willingness to drive agency van and personal vehicle while on company business.
• Ability and willingness to work at multiple sites.

PM21

PI206956288