Vocational Specialist

Description

EEOC Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Job Summary:

This position provides community-based mental health treatment, rehabilitation, support, and recovery services as a member of Spero’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. ACT is a multidisciplinary, shared-caseload model that delivers comprehensive, person-centered services to individuals experiencing serious and persistent mental illness in community settings. In addition to serving as the team’s subject matter expert regarding employment, education, career development, and meaningful community participation, the Vocational Specialist shares responsibility for supporting the overall ACT caseload and participating in all core components of ACT service delivery, including engagement, assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, rehabilitation services, and care coordination. Additionally, the Vocational Specialist assists individuals in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining competitive employment, educational opportunities, volunteer experiences, and other meaningful community roles consistent with their goals, strengths, and preferences. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides community-based treatment, rehabilitation, support, crisis intervention, and recovery services to individuals receiving ACT services. 

• Participates in assessment, treatment planning, care coordination, documentation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and on-call responsibilities to support client recovery, independence, and community integration. 

• Serves as the team’s primary resource regarding employment, education, vocational rehabilitation, career development, and community integration services. 

• Assists individuals with identifying and achieving employment, educational, and vocational goals through assessment, career exploration, job development, job coaching, and ongoing support. 

• Promotes competitive employment and educational opportunities consistent with evidence-based support employment principles and individual preferences. 

• Develops and maintains relationships with employers, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and other community partners to support vocational and educational opportunities. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of supported employment principles, vocational rehabilitation services, workforce development resources, educational systems, career development practices, and community-based behavioral health treatment. 
• Ability to assist individuals in identifying and achieving employment, educational, and recovery goals while utilizing recovery-oriented, person-centered practices. 
• Demonstrates strong communication, organizational, networking, advocacy, and relationship-building skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
• Knowledge of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, benefits planning, community resources, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation principles preferred. Ability to community effectively in English, maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgement, and complete documentation accurately and timely. 

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

• Must meet Minnesota Statutory requirements as a Behavioral Health Practitioner or Mental Health Professional.

• Experience working with adults experiencing serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, or other complex behavioral health needs.

• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, current auto insurance, and reliable vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development services, supported employment services, educational support services or behavioral health services preferred.  

• Knowledge of supported employment principles and evidence-based employment practices preferred. 

• Experience developing relationships with employers, educational institutions, and community partners preferred. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to travel throughout the community utilizing a personal vehicle. 

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, and navigate a variety of community environments and perform the physical demands of community-based work.

• Ability to lift and carry work materials and client-related items weighing up to 25 pounds. 

• Ability to communicate effectively, utilize standard office technology, and respond appropriately during behavioral health emergencies and crisis situations. 

Work Environment:

Services primarily provided in community settings including client homes, hospitals, clinics, shelters, and other community locations. The position requires frequent travel, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing client needs and environments. Staff routinely work with individuals experiencing psychiatric symptoms, substance use disorders, medical concerns, homelessness, and other complex psychosocial challenges. When not in the community, staff work in a shared office environment that promotes collaboration, communication, and multidisciplinary teamwork. 

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary:

Mental Health Professional (MHP): $72,000 to $77,000

Behavioral Health Practitioner (BHP) :$23-$28 per hour

Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial & Retirement:
  • 401(k) & Roth retirement plans
• Income Protection & Insurance:
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • MNPL & MNPFLA disability coverage
  • Supplemental benefits available through AFLAC and Principal
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
  • Generous PTO package
  • 2  floating holidays
  • 9  paid holidays