Supported Employment: Building Your Program - SAMHSA Store ...

Sample job description for employment specialistsOverall functionResponsibilitiesQualificationsCarries out SE services by helping consumers obtain and sustain employment that is consistentwith their vocational goals and recovery Engages consumers and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward thegoal of competitive employment in integrated job settings Assesses consumers’ vocational functioning on ongoing basis Following SE principles and procedures, helps consumers in job development and job searchactivities directed toward positions that are consistent with consumers’ needs and interests Provides individualized, time-unlimited, follow-along services to help consumers sustainemployment Based on agreement with consumers, provides education and support to employers, whichmay include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with employers Provides outreach services to consumers, as necessary, when they appear to disengage from SEservices. If necessary, maintains some contact with consumers even without a vocational focusto sustain engagement Meets regularly with treatment team members to coordinate and integrate vocational servicesinto mental health treatment Draws up individual employment plans with consumers, case managers, and other treatmentteam providers and updates the plans quarterly Spends at least 60 percent of direct service time in the community to engage and supportconsumers, family members, and employers Carries out other duties as assignedEducation and experience equivalent to undergraduate degree in mental health or social services,business, personnel management, or vocational servicesExperience working with people with serious mental illnesses, experience with vocational services,and knowledge of the work world are preferredAbility to work as an effective team player is essentialthrough day-to-day experience — help mostemployment specialists develop the skills andconfidence to do a good job.Consider hiring a benefits counselorHistorically, practitioners encouraged consumers tolimit working to protect their benefits. However, formost consumers a life spent on benefits means a lifespent in poverty. In most cases, consumers arebetter off financially if they work and takeadvantage of available work incentives. For thisreason, it is important that consumers have accurateinformation to make informed choices.In general, employment specialists and otherpractitioners may know that rules govern benefitsand earned income. But in most cases, theirinformation is not comprehensive. The rules arecomplicated and periodically adjusted, making itdifficult to keep up to date with the information.This is why many agencies create benefits specialistpositions. Benefits specialists have comprehensiveinformation about benefits and work incentives.They meet with consumers who are consideringgoing to work to review their benefits and projecthow work will affect them. They also providepersonalized benefits planning to help consumersmanage their benefits and health care coverageas they work more and increase their earnings.Tips for Agency Administrators and SE Leaders 20 Building Your Program