Employment Support Specialist

About Primary Health Solutions

Our Mission

We meet people where they are and partner with them on their journey towards wellness.

Our Vision

The destination for servant leaders to provide comprehensive and exceptional care.

Our Values

R – Respect

I – Innovation

S – Stewardship

E – Excellence

Employment Support Specialist Summary

This full-time position reports to the Assistant Program Manager for Supported Employment and Traditional Case Management and supports clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment aligned with their vocational goals. The Employment Support Specialist (ESS) works independently in the community while collaborating effectively as part of a team and demonstrating 

strong time management skills.

The ESS works under the direct reporting of the Assistant Managers of Traditional Case Management

and in guidance / collaboration with other PHS Leaders.

A Day in the Life

• Build trusting, collaborative relationships with clients to support competitive employment goals. 

• Assist clients in understanding how employment impacts benefits and support reporting of earnings. 

• Assess vocational interests, skills, and goals; develop and update career profiles and individualized employment plans with input from treatment teams and supports (with permission). 

• Provide education and support to clients, families, and employers, including guidance on disclosure and workplace accommodations. 

• Conduct individualized job development, including regular employer outreach and job search activities aligned with IPS supported employment principles. 

• Support clients in securing employment (including timely job search engagement) and achieving annual job placement targets. 

• Deliver ongoing, individualized follow-along support to help clients maintain employment. 

• Provide outreach to re-engage clients and address barriers to employment. 

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (e.g., VR counselors) to coordinate services. 

• Spend the majority of time in the community delivering services and building employer relationships. 

• Support career advancement, education, and training opportunities for clients. 

• Meet productivity standards and participate in program fidelity reviews as required.

Core Competencies

• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality. 

• Complete required training and continuing education to meet licensure and agency standards. 

• Adhere to professional, ethical, and HIPAA standards at all times. 

• Participate in supervision, actively seeking and applying feedback. 

• Ensure confidentiality of all client, employee, and agency information. 

• Demonstrate sound judgment, time management, and decision-making. 

• Apply problem-solving skills and adaptability in complex situations. 

• Provide culturally competent services and promote inclusivity. 

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives. 

• Demonstrate flexibility and support team coverage as needed. 

• Communicate professionally and responsively, providing excellent customer service. 

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners. 

• Utilize required technology and systems proficiently. 

• Complete assignments accurately and on time. 

• Follow emergency protocols and ensure appropriate response and coordination. 

• Support a safe, clean, and secure environment. 

• Comply with all policies, procedures, and reporting requirements, including 

ethical concerns.

Success Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

Experience providing case management to adults with severe and persistent mental illness and dual diagnosed populations. A bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, human services or a related field or an associate’s degree in human services or a related field with at least 3 years of experience working in the field. 

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have the ability to gain knowledge of current practice management system, electronic medical record, Microsoft Word, text paging, Internet, and Intranet.

Other Applicable Requirements

Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal. Ability to work effectively and independently with all levels of clinical and administrative staff within the health centers and with community leaders. Strong leadership qualities and leadership experience. Demonstrates program development and implementation skills. Ability to represent the organization effectively in a variety 

of settings and with diverse communities. Demonstrates understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee are occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

It is the policy of Primary Health Solutions to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice