Position Summary

The Employment Specialist assists adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary treatment teams, the Employment Specialist delivers vocational assessment, job development, employment coaching, benefits counseling coordination, and employer engagement using recovery-oriented, person-centered, and evidence-based supported employment practices.

Essential Functions

• Conduct vocational assessments and develop individualized employment plans.
• Provide job readiness training including résumé development, interviewing, applications, workplace etiquette, and job retention skills.
• Develop relationships with employers and community workforce partners.
• Identify competitive employment opportunities consistent with client goals.
• Provide job coaching, follow-along support, and workplace advocacy.
• Coordinate with treatment teams regarding client progress and employment goals.
• Educate clients regarding work incentives and available vocational resources.
• Maintain timely Medi-Cal compliant documentation and employment outcome records.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, quality improvement activities, and required trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Counseling, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• Two years of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, workforce development, or behavioral health experience preferred.
• Experience working with adults experiencing serious mental illness preferred.
• Valid California Driver License with acceptable driving record and proof of insurance.

Core Competencies

• Supported Employment
• Client Advocacy
• Communication
• Relationship Building
• Community Resource Development
• Cultural Humility
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Documentation
• Problem Solving
• Team Collaboration

Physical Demands

• Frequent computer use, sitting, standing, walking, driving, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• Office, community, employer locations, client homes, and behavioral health settings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Hillview Mental Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive workplace.

ADA Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Overview
Group meeting at HillviewServing more than 2,000 clients, Hillview Mental Health Center empowers individuals affected by mental illness to flourish and live productive, fulfilling lives. Our staff of psychiatrists, nurses, clinicians, recreational therapists and case managers work collaboratively to provide individually tailored services for our clients. These services can include medication evaluation and treatment, individual or group therapy, case management, substance abuse treatment and crisis management.

In all of our interactions, we treat our clients with dignity and compassion, helping them to identify their needs and goals and maximize their strengths.

We understand that our clients have practical needs that affect their ability to recover and thrive. We work closely with government and nonprofit agencies to help our clients obtain housing, transportation, schooling, employment and other supportive services. Hillview Village, our permanent housing complex, provides a welcoming home to 85 low income, chronically homeless clients.

Mental illness impacts all facets of life. Without treatment, individuals may cope by engaging in unsafe and unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse and crime. We have expertise in helping clients who suffer from drug or alcohol abuse, as well as in assisting those newly released from jail or prison to successfully re-enter society.