Position Summary:

The individual in this position provides initial individual counseling for consumers upon admission to the re-entry phase of treatment. The Employment Specialist is responsible for development of a Community Job Bank of major employers who may be utilized for employment referrals.

Essential Job Functions:

• Complete educational/vocational/English proficiency skills profile during orientation phase of treatment, and report significant findings to the counseling staff.
• Complete education/vocational/ESL assessment prior to and in preparation of consumer's advancement to the community re-entry phase of treatment.
• Assist in the facilitation of vocational/educational/ESL oriented groups. It is expected these will be conducted at treatment on a regular basis, and address basic vocational issues such as job seeking skills, interviewing skills, etc.
• Collects client outcomes on a monthly basis. Shares outcomes for the program, as well as individual practitioners, with the IPS supported employment team each quarter. Helps team members set goals for improvement. Reviews individual outcomes with each practitioner and develops written plans for improvement. Helps specialists refine their skills so they can improve outcomes.
• Acts as a liaison to other department coordinators and administrators at the agency. Communicates regularly with mental health supervisors to ensure that services are integrated, to resolve issues, and to act as a proponent for employment.

• Arranges for IPS supported employment fidelity reviews. Assists with the development of fidelity action plans based on recommendations from the fidelity report.
• Provides referrals to outside agencies providing ancillary services (e.g. clothing, school, medical, and dental allowances; and Florida State Employment Services for testing, etc.

• Assist in the development of vocational/educational recommendations to consumers which meet agency criteria (e.g., minimum salary, educational classes having vocational relevance from accredited schools).
• Assist in conducting follow-up individual counseling sessions as needed, to address such issues as upward mobility, job related difficulties, etc.
• Participate in the weekly Case Conference..
• Assist in maintenance and development of Community Job Bank of major employers who may be utilized for employment referrals.
• Upon consumer employment, provide Director, and clinical staff with a completed Job Placement Description.
• Verify consumer job attendance and performance on a monthly basis for each consumer and provide a written progress report.
• Develop and Monitor Financial Plan for working consumers.
• Provides transportation for consumers as needed.
• Participate in meetings and attend trainings as required and requested
• Understands HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
• Participate in performance improvement activities
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited masters program with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is preferred
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is preferred
• Graduation from an accredited two-year college with an associates degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is required

Experience and Competencies:

• A minimum one (1) year of related experience
• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish fluently, and have knowledge of second language acquisition process of native Spanish-speaking adults is preferred.
• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required;
• Must have reliable means of transportation
• Must have familiarity of Miami-Dade and Broward county
• Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character
• Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.

During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

WestCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at WestCare is contingent upon
successful completion of a pre-employment drug test,
pre-employment physical and criminal background check.