Job Description: Job Title: Employment SpecialistLocation: Columbia, MODepartment: Vocational ServicesEmployment Type: Full TimeShift: Monday - Friday Job Summary:Are you a dedicated Employment Specialist passionate about helping individuals achieve their vocational goals? Join our team at Burrell Behavioral Health and be part of a mission-driven organization that supports clients in securing and maintaining meaningful employment. As an Employment Specialist, you'll be responsible for developing and implementing all phases of clients’ vocational services, including career planning, job placement, and retention support. Our ideal candidate has expertise in the local labor market, strong skills in client advocacy, and a commitment to supporting diverse populations in their career journeys. Columbia, Missouri, a thriving city nestled in the heart of Mid Missouri, boasting an array of recreational attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Finger Lakes State Park, kayaking or relaxing on the beach. Take a stroll through the picturesque University of Missouri campus, admiring its historic buildings and vibrant student culture. Indulge in a culinary adventure downtown, where a variety of restaurants are. Join us! Position Perks & Benefits: + 29 Days of PTO + Competitive Pay + Eligibility for HRSA Loan Repayment *eligibility requirements + Employee benefits package - health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more** + Competitive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan – up to 5% match for Part-Time and Full-Time employees + Company-paid basic life insurance + Emergency Medical Leave Program + Flexible Spending Accounts – healthcare and dependent child-care + Health & Wellness Program + Employee Assistance Program (EAP) + Employee Discount Program + Mileage Reimbursement Key Responsibilities: + Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect. + Adhere to confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards during service provision. + Maintain flexibility in work availability, including evenings, overnights, and weekends as necessary. + Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to assist clients with individualized career planning and job development. + Schedule and participate in team/planning meetings to discuss individual clients and their employment goals. + Conduct client orientations to explain services and discuss rights, responsibilities, and disclosure. + Assist clients with career planning through interviews, community-based activities, and vocational counseling. + Provide individualized benefits planning at the onset of services, before starting a new job, and when making changes in work hours or pay. + Teach and reinforce job-seeking and job retention skills with clients. + Create and maintain employer relationships to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities. + Advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, and other stakeholders. + Educate employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations. + Promote services and clients through community events and awareness activities, including presentations and public speaking. + Maintain frequent contact with referral sources for discussing shared clients and identifying potential referrals. + Report job development outcomes and other relevant information to the supervisor regularly. + Respond to crises that may occur with clients at their worksite. + Travel extensively to conduct job development and support, including transporting clients. + Provide on-site or off-site job supports for clients as needed. + Perform other duties as assigned by Leadership. Education and/or Experience Qualifications: + A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required. + An associate's or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred. + At least one year of experience providing employment services. ​Additional Qualifications: + Understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living. + Knowledge of case management and rehabilitation methods, principles, and techniques related to mental health and/or substance use disorders. + Awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and knowledge of community resources. + Familiarity with legal requirements and court procedures related to treating mental illnesses and substance use disorders. + Some knowledge of supervisory and training techniques used in a substance use disorders/mental health setting. + Ability to evaluate services within the assigned program and provide input. + Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for producing clear and concise reports. + Excellent customer service skills. + Proficiency in computer applications, including Word, Excel, and other electronic media. Brightli is on a Mission:A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance use care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about empowering your local communities and promoting health equity, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization that is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors. Burrell is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace. About Brightli Brightli is on a mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance use care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. We are doing this by forming a new behavioral health organization under new model. Under one parent company, multiple organizations are able to collaborate, share resources and system supports, increase recruiting and retention efforts, increase access to specialized care, and meet the growing demand for behavioral and addiction recovery care. Brightli’s top-line subsidiaries include Burrell Behavioral Health (Burrell), Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH), Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMO), Firefly, Adult and Child Health, and Places for People. While these organizations operate independently and are governed by separate board of directors, their operations and services benefit from this model. Alone, organizations may be able to navigate the current tumultuous healthcare environment, but we believe that together we can do so much more than survive. Our communities need us now more than ever, and by working together we are ready to answer their call for years to come. Brightli Snapshot + 200 locations + 4 states + 19 subsidiaries and/or affiliates + 5k+ employees