Employment Specialist - Part Time
BALTIC STREET AEA INC.
Summary
Reporting to the Director of Employment Services, the Part Time Employment Specialist is responsible for providing a full range of vocational/employment services to adult mental health clients to assist them in meeting their employment needs.
Job description
Position Overview
Reporting to the Director of Employment Services, the Part Time Employment Specialist is responsible for providing a full range of vocational/employment services to adult mental health clients to assist them in meeting their employment needs.
Essential Functions
Intake/Assessment
- Conduct individual intake interviews of program candidates as assigned.
- Present on clients interviewed at intake disposition meetings; provide alternative referrals for persons unable to use the program's services.
Vocational/Employment Services Support
Support 8-10 cases providing the services below:
- Develop an Individual Work Plan (IWP) and a contract for services to be provided with each client served.
- Co-facilitate job search preparation workshops for clients seeking employment.
- Work individually with clients in helping them prepare for and in assisting them in implementing their job search strategy.
- Provide ongoing support and assistance to clients in the process of obtaining employment (including via outside referral, job development, entitlements counseling and advocacy).
Post-Employment Services
- Develop an employment support plan with clients who obtain employment to assist them in successfully maintaining and progressing in that employment.
- Provide follow-along services as contracted via job coaching, employment counseling, employment support groups, career counseling or advocacy with employers.
- Act as a Work Benefits Work Incentive Advisor (BWIA) to assist participant in learning how work affects benefits.
Documentation/Administrative
- Create and maintain case records for all clients on caseload – updating referral material as required, collecting relevant reports and evaluations.
- Attend bi-weekly staff meetings, case review meetings, and weekly intake disposition meetings facilitating communication with all other members of the service team.
- Attend all scheduled staff development activities (in-service and outside staff education and training) as required for the job.
Other Duties
- Provide flexible and on-call services as needed.
- Teach and model the principles and practices of recovery and self-help.
- Ensure and protect all consumer civil liberties and rights.
- Maintain and protect the confidential nature of all matters related to this position.
- Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- A minimum of 1 year of experience
- Specific experience in Employment Counseling or Vocational Rehabilitation with adults with mental illness
- Familiarity and experience with self-help recovery model and its relevance to providing vocational rehabilitation services
- Ability to independently make informed decisions that directly impact on employment outcomes for participants
- Highly Proficient computer skills including internet research as well as MS Office and MS Word, Excel, and Outlook computer skills
- Experience as a Peer Advocate, or other related experience
Company overview
Baltic Street AEH Inc. is a pioneering peer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health recovery and advocacy, operating primarily in New York State. Founded in 1996, the organization has grown from a single program to 17 comprehensive service programs, establishing itself as the largest peer-led mental health agency in New York State. The organization operates on a fundamental belief that individuals can and do recover from mental illness, working tirelessly to reduce stigma and alienation associated with mental health diagnoses. Baltic Street provides holistic, person-centered support through community advocacy, self-help programs, housing assistance, educational services, employment support, and wellness planning. Their unique approach employs a staff primarily composed of peers with lived mental health experiences, creating authentic connections and mentorship opportunities. The organization has been recognized by the New York State Office of Mental Health with the Commissioner's Community Care Award for their exceptional contributions to the mental health system. With over 25 years of dedicated service, Baltic Street has evolved from a modest team to over 100 full-time, part-time, and trainee staff members, serving thousands of New Yorkers through evidence-based peer support services that foster positive relationships based on empathy, trust, hope, and health.