IPS Employment Specialist

Position Title:IPS Employment Specialist

Program/Dept:Solano Jobs Plus

Reports to:IPS Director

Classification:                 Regular 1 year, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range:32.14 Hourly + Full Benefits Package

Shift:                               Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm 

***1 year contract

About Us: Caminar and our divisions transformed the lives of over 31,000 youth and adults across San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Solano, Contra Costa, and Butte counties last year through education, behavioral health care, and support. Driven by compassion, science, and our understanding of root causes, we deliver high-quality prevention, treatment, and recovery services to those with complex mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs.  

We understand that quality behavioral health outcomes occur when a person is supported in all their basic human needs, and we actively partner with our clients and the community to address the social determinants of health that lead to sustained well-being. We are here to empower and support the most vulnerable members of our community to move toward wellness, resilience, and independence. 

Caminar values diversity. People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faith, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities are welcome here.

Position Summary:

Under supervision of the IPS Director, the IPS Employment Specialist will provide vocational assessment and employment services to DOR clients.  They will assist clients in finding and maintaining competitive employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Processes consumer referrals from Solano County and introduces consumers to Employment Services.
• Supports clients enrolled in Individual Placement Support (IPS) Services program
• Assists consumers in building and executing their ISP (Individualized Service Plan) including Employment Preparation, Job development and Employment Retention.
• Educates consumers on job search techniques including interviewing strategies, identifying employment opportunities, as well as implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment Housing Act
• With the consumer’s permission, provides education and support to family members about work and gathers input about skills, interests, strengths of the consumer, and ideas for job supports. 
• Discusses consumer's preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specific information to be disclosed.  Provides assistance with the job search regardless of consumer’s preferences regarding disclosure (i.e., support without employer contact when consumer chooses not to disclose).
• Works with the consumer to complete resumes, applications, and cover letters
• Facilitates at least six in-person employer contacts with hiring manager weekly (based on full-time employment) to learn about businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific consumers who are looking for work and/or to talk about employer services offered by program.
• Completes a job site analysis as needed to ensure that the environment and job demands are commiserate with consumer’s abilities
• Tracks the progress of consumers through Employment Services
• Is responsible for a minimum of twelve job starts each year after the first year of employment (based on full-time employment).
• Documents every encounter with consumers and tracks time (only for FSP Solano clients) develops and delivers Monthly Progress Reports, and End of Service Reports.
• Maintains regular communication with Care Team regarding consumers’ progress
• Maintains regular communication with consumer’s mental health providers.
• Attends team meetings for other Caminar programs when working with consumers linked to Caminar.
• Supports consumers making employer contacts by applying for jobs, or learning more about jobs available in the community, within 15 days of program entry, on average.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist consumers in maintaining employment.  Offers in-person supports weekly during the first month of a new job and at least monthly after working steadily.
• Spends 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meets with consumers in community settings and develops relationships with managers at their businesses.
• Maintains a minimum of 75% productivity as tracked by amount of time with consumer or with employer on consumer’s behalf as well as documentation, travel, and prep time.
• Makes sound and informed recommendations to Solano/Caminar team based upon the progress and status of consumers.
• Conducts exit interviews for consumers ending Employment Services.
• Attends staff meetings as requested to support consumers.
• Attends trainings related to contract services.
• Other duties as needed/assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:

• Must be passionate about Caminar's mission.
• High School Diploma or GED is required. BA in psychology or related field is preferred. 
• A minimum of two years of direct service provision to people with disabilities, preferably in a social rehabilitation or vocational setting is preferred
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment including email and Internet navigation required. Experience with Human Service Information Systems strongly preferred. Experience with web based time and attendance and staff training and development system is strongly preferred.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor and to represent the organization in a positive manner at all times.
• Must demonstrate acceptable level of maturity, good judgment, boundaries, and emotional stability.
• Problem solving—identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Customer Service—manages difficult customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs and solicits customer feedback to improve service.
• Oral and written communication—speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings.   Completes written progress notes and other formal communications skillfully and professionally.
• Quality management—looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Planning/organizing—prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Adaptability—adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability—is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security—actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently on special projects. 

Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements:

• Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to up to 5 lbs. frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
• Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with consumers and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
• Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days. Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. 
• Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• This position requires frequent driving.  A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.
• Must be able to pass post-offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• A personal cell phone with reliable service and, if applicable, a data plan to use for business purposes. 
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

We've Got You Covered

Medical, Dental, and Vision
Health coverage choices to fit you and your family’s needs. A zero-cost option for employee only and generous contributions to employee and dependent premiums.

Flexible Spending Account
Receive tax savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.

Employee Wellness Program
We’ll reimburse you for a portion of your gym/fitness dues.

Life, Long-term Disability,and AD&D Insurance
Provided at no cost to our full-time employees. Includes an option to purchase additional life coverage for both employees and dependents.

Paid Time Off
We offer twelve paid holidays and a generous sick and vacation benefit.

401(K) Retirement Savings Plan
We offer options for both pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) contributions. 
 The plan also offers an employer match on eligible employee deferrals at one year of service.

Commuter Benefits
Commuting to work each day can be expensive. Receive tax savings on your commuting costs!

Employee Assistance Program
 For whatever issue you might face, our Life Assistance Program offers free, confidential assistance at no cost to you.

Caminar is a leader in providing innovative client-oriented mental health services.  We are an equal opportunity employer.  Please visit our web site at www.caminar.org