Employment Specialist (Rachel's Women's Center)

Company Description: NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental illnesses.

Primary Responsibilities/Function: The Employment Specialist is an active member of the Rachel's Women's Center Team and actively assists members in developing employment and vocation skills, as well as collaborating with community partners to place and provide on-the-job support for Rachel's Women's Center participants in transitional or independent employment (part-time and full-time).

Duties And Responsibilities

• Maintains and records Clubhouse member "career profile" including job preference, work history, education history, strengths, legal history, and other information pertinent to the member's employment or education goals. 
• Within 30 days of enrollment, meets with individuals interested in employment and identifies employment and education goals, and updates career profile with member minimum of every six months. Within 30 days of enrollment in the supported employment program, connects client with a potential employer.
• Actively promotes an integrated, regional system of care by participating in committees, on inter-agency teams, and by attending meetings related to the field of employment. 
• Advocates for Clubhouse members as needed to ensure work success.
• Educates members about competitive work opportunities, assessing interest/work needs as indicated. 
• Offers direct placement for program participant in positions appropriate to skill level and personal needs. 
• Provides expertise to the team in areas related to work trends, employment models, potential employer profiles, and demographic data as needed.
• Provides job coaching and support for members to assist in work stability and retention. 
• Serves as part of a navigation team, providing assessment of clients' capacities and updates regarding work status. 
• Works alongside Program Manager/ Director to create and revise employment documents as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Accountability: Reports to Connection 2 Community Clubhouse Program Manager.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  
  

Minimum Requirements, including linguistic and cultural skills, education, experiences, licenses and certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human services preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience working with adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and co-occurring disorders.
• Fluency in English required, fluency in Spanish or another threshold language preferred.
• Prefer lived mental health experience for self or as direct support for someone else.
• Must have a satisfactory driving record.
• Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Basic knowledge of computer software (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel) and web navigation.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Reliable and consistent attendance.