Vocational Specialist

The ACT Vocational Specialist provides mental health rehabilitation interventions and supports necessary to assist individuals with mental illnesses to achieve recovery goals. The specialist assists members in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their vocational and recovery goals. The specialist also helps with linkage to educational resources that can further the members' educational/employment goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct service to members through group counseling/therapy, case management, assertive community treatment, job support, crisis intervention, and psycho-social rehabilitation services in the community.
• Gathers member information and assesses the need for service, makes recommendations for treatment, identifies and investigates available resources, explains options available to the member and assist in the application process. Assesses members' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information, personal preferences, and work experiences.
• Advocates and assists with problem solving/resolution that will help the member access and utilize support from the community, family or employer when appropriate.
• Assists in the in the development and implementation of a Thresholds Service Plan. Works in cooperation with the psychiatrist, other team members, the member, their families, and collaborating agencies.
• Performs comprehensive member assessments in order to identify member's mental health service needs and to make recommendations for treatment.
• Ensures that the Thresholds Service Plan addresses the member's needs and includes objectives. Coordinates and integrates employment services into the plan.
• Knowledgeable about Thresholds' employment practices and follows these practices when supporting members around goals in the vocational domain.
• Provides outreach services to clients with a focus on employment.
• Develops resources within the agency and/or community.
• Works cooperatively with inpatient hospital staff, keeping logs and other records of all contacts as required by agency practice.
• Performs and participates in crisis intervention when necessary.
• Discusses and encourages the realization of work as central to the recovery process when talking with members, staff, employers, funders, and advocates.
• Designated expert on assisting members in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with the needs and interests of members on the team.
• Along with other team members, provides individualized and unlimited follow along services to assist consumers in sustaining employment.
• Provides education and support to employer, as agreed upon by the member, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-up contact with the employer.
• Designated specialist on assisting members with linkage to educational opportunities. Performs educational assessments to help determine steps towards educational goals.
• Completes all assigned paperwork accurately, thoroughly and in a timely fashion.
• Spends at least 75% of direct service time in the community to engage and support consumers, family members, and employers.
• Assures that all Thresholds records are organized in a systematic and organized fashion.
• Follows all appropriate safeguards with regard to the confidential files maintained at the Program. Follow all policies and procedures pertaining to all records including but not limited to restricting access to all records per agency policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Required to be available 24 hours a day/7 days per weeks for emergency response coverage.
• Participates in the implementation of Thresholds emergency plans related to extreme weather or other emergency conditions.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Effective communication and relationship-building
• Good writing skills
• Strong time management and organization
• General knowledge and experience in job development, job marketing, and job securing and a working knowledge of a broad range of occupations.
• To be at least 21 years old
• A valid driver's license, current car insurance, and daily access to your own car
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience
• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Active Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay: Pay Range - $25.00 - $28.37 per hour / $52,000 - $59,000 annually
  
  
  
  
  • Based upon education, experience, and licensure
  
  
  
  
• Generous PTO
• Dental insurance, vision insurance,4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plans with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Reimbursement for licensure and licensure renewal

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency's mission. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.