Vocational Employment Specialist
1 day ago
Denver
Job DescriptionSalary: $65,000 - $75,000 Vocational Employment Specialist About Paragon Behavioral Health Connections Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is a comprehensive behavioral health organization on a mission to positively impact individuals and families through compassionate, and client-centered care. Our mission is to deliver personalized care that uplifts our clients and builds supportive connections in communities. Through community based or in-home services, and digital solutions as needed, we meet clients where they areboth physically and emotionallyto provide the right support at the right time. Serving communities across Colorado, we deliver equitable and creative one-stop behavioral health servicesproviding in-home mental health and substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, early childhood support, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, medication management, wrap around support and more. We believe care should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is rooted in understanding, respect, innovation, and community collaboration. Our vision is toempower individuals and families with complex needs, helping them overcome challenges, build essential skills, and access the resources necessary to achieve long-term well-being. We offer a wide range of services, including step-down care from inpatient hospitalization for youth and adults, comprehensive support for children and families, and specialized treatment for adults facing depression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health needs. Our programming includes intensive care management supports for families and adults, Crisis Stabilization programming,Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, Child First for young children and caregivers, integrated co-occurring Intensive Outpatient treatment, individual and family therapy, medication management (including MAT), peer support, supported employment/housing, and holistic recovery services for mental health and substance use disorders. Why Work With Paragon • Statewide Reach - Deliver care where its needed most. Were not region-limitedserve communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier areas with limited access to care., • Flexibility & WorkLife Balance - Own your schedule. Partner with families to set visit times that work for them (and you), so you can enjoy Colorados trails, slopes, and sunshine during off-peak hours., • Clinical Leadership & Support - Clinicians lead here. Our executive team includes licensed providers who shape business decisions with a care-first lens. We provide licensure supervision and regular consultation to support your growth as a clinician., • Comprehensive, Company-Paid Benefits - We cover health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurancecompany-paidso there are no premium deductions from your paycheck. Keep your full salary and your peace of mind., • Career Growth Opportunities - Grow with us. Explore new modalities and specializations and advance into leadership as we expand statewide. Position Summary Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is seeking a Bachelor or Masters level vocational employment specialist. This role assesses client needs for employment and vocational supports for clients living with behavioral health needs to develop personalized employment and vocational plans. This role provides support to clients and develops collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders, community organizations and employers to facilitate successful job placement and retention. Responsibilities: • Conduct assessments to determine clients' vocational abilities and interests, • Develop individualized vocational rehabilitation plans, • Provide career counseling and job search assistance, • Coordinate with employers to facilitate job placement opportunities, • Assist clients with resume writing and interview preparation, • Monitor clients' progress and adjust rehabilitation plans as needed, • Advocate for clients' rights and accommodations in the workplace, • Facilitate skills training and workshops, • Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, and other professionals, • Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, • Conduct follow-up evaluations to assess job retention and client satisfaction, • Stay informed about labor market trends and job opportunities, • Organize vocational assessments and aptitude tests, • Provide support in securing necessary adaptive equipment or workplace modifications Knowledge, skills, and abilities: • Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, • Extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation, employment services or related areas, • Experience working with people with mental illness and substance use treatment needs, • Strong network with local employers and community resources, • Knowledge of disability rights and employment law, • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, • Experience with job placement and employment support services, • Ability to assess clients' strengths and limitations accurately, • Proficiency in developing and implementing individualized rehabilitation plans, • Excellent organizational and case management skills, • Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, • Empathy and strong dedication to client advocacy, • Good problem-solving skills and resourcefulness, • Knowledge of local labor market trends and employment services, • Basic understanding of assistive technologies and workplace accommodation, • Skills to handle emergencies and provide support via phone or in-person within specified time frames., • Ability to adjust treatment schedules and methods to meet individual client needs and program criteria., • Ability to conduct both group and individual meetings sessions effectively., • Capability to assess progress, ensure compliance with the program, and set up effective aftercare plans., • Strong written and oral communication skills via phone and face-to-face., • Understand HIPAA, protected health information, and confidentiality., • Proven ability to work with a high level of independence, maintain confidentiality, prioritize assignments, and manage time effectively., • Strong conflict resolution skills., • Be committed to building trust and engagement with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds., • Demonstrates rational decision-making skills., • Demonstrate sensitivity and acceptance of individual experiences. Qualifications • Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology Social Work, or related field (required)., • Experience:, • Minimum 2 years in behavioral health/clinical service preferred., • Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams, • Two years of relevant experience in vocational employment services, • Working knowledge of Medicaid in Colorado is preferred, • Language Skills: Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, depending on location., • Other Requirements: Valid drivers license, auto insurance, willingness to travel to homes/communities., • Requires living in or near the location of the posting. Job Details • Type: Full-Time, • Location: Lakewood, Colorado (Hybrid), • Department: Metro Community Based, • Schedule: Flexible, with required availability for 23 evenings per week (47pm) or 34 weekend hours., • Salary:, • $65,000 - $75,000 annually or $31.00 - 36.00 per hour Benefits • Paid health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance., • Flexible work hours, • Discretionary Time Off (DTO), • 401(k)retirement plan, • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), • Professional development support, • Referral bonuses Diversity & Inclusion Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.