Employment Specialist

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking an Employment Specialist to join our team. As an Employment Specialist, you will play a crucial role in providing case management mental health services and supporting consumers in their journey towards employment and recovery. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals seeking employment while promoting the recovery model of treatment.

• Complete required data entry and paperwork in accordance with program and agency policies and procedures.
• Provide consumer-driven services that meet program requirements and maintain an assigned level of consumer services.
• Promote the recovery model of treatment, including trauma-informed care, hope, respect, empowerment, health/wellness, and spirituality/connectedness.
• Provide referral, linkage, and advocacy to recommended community resources, especially involving Department of Rehabilitation Services, educational, and vocational resources.
• Foster positive interactions within Chestnut and the community, especially with businesses and professionals, to sustain a favorable program reputation and develop employment opportunities for consumers.
• Attend meetings, consumer staffings, and program development activities, providing support and backup to other team members as necessary.
• Recommend permanent job placements based on consumer strengths, preferences, and needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of fidelity requirements for Individual Placement and Support, including maintaining face-to-face employer contacts, providing services in the community, ensuring timely documentation, and developing retention plans.
• Promote Chestnut’s culture of customer service excellence.
• Maintain confidentiality of all organizational information gained in the course of performing job responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and five years of supervised mental health experience, or a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, education, psychology, or a related human service field. Alternatively, candidates may possess a bachelor’s degree in any other field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting, or a certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program plus a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience in providing mental health services. Certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) in good standing with the State of Illinois is also accepted. Additionally, candidates must have a valid driver’s license, private automobile insurance, and be insurable. Basic computer skills and experience with MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and an electronic medical record (EMR) are required.

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

Chestnut Health Systems is a leader in the effort to achieve health equity, providing high-quality health and human services in underserved communities. We deliver trauma-informed, fully integrated care by combining behavioral health with community-based primary health care. Chestnut’s research division is nationally recognized for its contribution to evidence-based practices. Our empathic and innovative employees live our mission of making a difference.

Chestnut offers a new salary structure and robust benefits!

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.