Employment Support Worker - Nanaimo, Canada - Canadian Mental Health Association Mid-Island

Description

Job Title:

Employment Support Worker


Classification:

Supported Employment Worker


Grid/Pay Level:

Grid 34


Collective Agreement:

Community Sub-Sector


Wage Range:

$ $32.31


Union:


BCGEU

Job Family:

Client Services


Program:

Employment


Benchmarks:

81802, 81502


Reporting To:

Programs Director or designate


Facility/Site:

Multiple CMHA Mid Island Sites


Shift Times:

Monday - Friday 9:00-17:00, Flexible Scheduling dependant on need


Days off:

Weekends and Stat Holidays


Date Reviewed:
June 14, 2023


SCOPE AND LEVEL DEFINITION

The Employment Support Worker provides the full continuum of support to clients seeking competitive, paid employment in an integrated community setting.

Working alongside, and in liaison with, mental health team or other referring clinical staff, the Support Worker ensures the integration of vocational rehabilitation into treatment planning and case management.

Specific responsibilities include engagement, continuous assessment and the development and implementation of vocational rehabilitation plans.

The Support Worker provides any, or all, of a full range of supports to individual clients including one-to-one counselling, direct job marketing to potential employers, independent job search support, liaison with employers and on-site job coaching.

The Support Worker also facilitates ongoing one-to-one and group support sessions as required.


TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Locates prospective employers in the community appropriate to clients' work profiles by performing duties such as following up on referrals, making cold calls, networking, and developing partnerships with government recruiting bodies and employment programs. Markets supported employment program to prospective employers, and develops related promotional materials.
• Interviews clients and identifies interests, skills, suitability, and job readiness. Refers to other programs and services as required, and provides information regarding available community resources.
• Provides supportive guidance and behavioural management to assist clients in establishing goals, objectives, and career planning. Provides job and labour market information and identifies employment barriers.
• Evaluates available work experience placements and jobs, matches clients in accordance with client work profiles and abilities, and markets clients to employers to secure work experience placements and employment.
• Assists clients to become jobready by performing duties such as arranging for education in accordance with rehabilitation and career goals, and providing coaching in employmentrelated areas such as work skills, job search skills, resume preparation, and interview skills.
• Assists clients in job search efforts by performing duties such as providing support and advocacy, facilitating job finding groups, and assisting in the preparation of resumes and cover letters.
• Facilitates the placement of clients by performing duties such as explaining wage subsidy information and placement terms to clients and employers.
• Maintains up to date information on labor market trends and job marketing techniques
• Ensures that employment team colleagues are kept uptodate on clients' progress in order to facilitate support cover during staff absences
• Maintains written and computerized vocational plans, progress notes, program information and records of communication with external mental health and personal supports;
• Follows up with employers to ensure work experience placements and employment agreements are established and maintained, and to monitor the quality of placements. Assists employers to work with clients by performing duties such as providing education and information, and advising on clients' special needs.
• Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as reports on clients' skill levels and progress towards goals and objectives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Typical Education, Training, and Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Service
• Certificate in IPS training, or equivalent vocational certification
• Minimum 1 year vocational counselling or job marketing/development experience
• Minimum 1 year experience working with individuals living with mental health and/or substance use challenges
• Eligibility for registration as a rehabilitation professional with a recognized association is preferred
• Class V BC Driver's License

• Computer skills

• Google, iOS and mobile technology knowledge an asset
• Certificate in First Aid, CPR, Naloxone
• Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity Training (or willing to obtain)
• Full COVID19 Vaccination

Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work


Typical Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Phy