Supported Employment Coordinator - MHTS0416A

Find a career with a nationwide leader of mental healthcare services.

Thresholds, Illinois` oldest and largest psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery center, creates the opportunity for people with mental illness to live with dignity and independence. The agency, with its thirty service locations and more than 75 housing developments in the Chicago area, is a recognized leader in mental health recovery. Thresholds provides excellent opportunities for career development and promotion. Thresholds has also been voted as one of Chicago`s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for. Thresholds encourages individuals who have experienced mental health recovery to apply. EOE M/F/D/V

Thresholds also offers an exemplary benefits package that includes 18.5 vacation days in the first year of employment. Unparalleled in-house employee training and development programs and a supportive management team distinguish Thresholds from other employers. Join the Thresholds team!

Description of Duties:
Employment Specialist will work as a member of an integrated clinical team at MHTS. They will be responsible for engaging members interested in vocational services, teaching skills related to employment success, as well as responsible for facilitating interviews for employment and job exploration/development/seeking / retention efforts daily.  Responsible for developing relationships with employers to create employment opportunities for the consumers in the program. Must document services in compliance with regulations as well as DRS outcome measures. Various other duties include transporting consumers to explore employment opportunities and networking with funders, and networking with other resources that will enhance the employment program for the participants in the MHTS. The Supported Employment Coordinator is responsible for certain functions of employment services for a limited number of SE practitioners.  For instance, they may be the staff that monitors the DRS contract for a particular group of SE staff.  Though they do not directly supervise other staff, they monitor the quality of the SE services with an eye to the principles of good supported employment.  They may model what is “best practices” for other junior staff as assigned. The SE coordinator also works with all members on their team who would like to or are thinking about obtaining a job by following the components of the Supported Employment Evidence-Based Practice (SE EBP). This person takes a leadership role in both encouraging members to think about work and encouraging staff to see the value of work in the recovery of their members.

Qualifications and Experience Required:
Must model wellness and interact with respect and regard. Must be able to work in a team effectively and have strong supervisory skills. Must have a positive manner and belief in the value of work for everyone. Experience with employment, sales, and/or customer service essential.  Must be able to engage consumers and work with their strengths to develop employment individualized opportunities. Must be able to contribute to the creation of supportive, dynamic and healthy milieu.  Must be a self starter, flexible, problem solver.

Requirements, Responsibilities and/or Duties Unique to the Position:
Required to have a valid driver’s license and car and carry bodily injury liability insurance – 100,000/300,000.  Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.  Must be able to motivate and mentor employees to provide best practices in employment services. 

Minimum Education Required: Will consider a B.A. with experience in employment services.