Education and Employment Specialist

Job Description:

Education and Employment Specialist

Location: Hannibal, MO

Department: Clarity HealthcareEmployment Type: Full-Time

Shift: Monday - Friday

Job Summary

The Employment Specialist plays a key role in helping individuals achieve meaningful and sustainable employment. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting all phases of vocational services, including individualized career planning, job placement, and long‑term retention.

Employment Specialists actively build relationships with employers, promote services in the community, and advocate for clients to ensure successful employment outcomes. They maintain expert knowledge of the local labor market, identify job opportunities, and collaborate closely with clients, employers, and referral sources throughout the employment process.

Position Perks & Benefits

• 29 days of PTO

• HRSA Loan Repayment Eligibility

• Comprehensive Benefits Package – health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance & more

• 403(b) Match – up to 5% for both part-time and full-time employees

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Emergency Medical Leave Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts – healthcare and dependent care

• Health & Wellness Programs

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Discount Program

• Mileage Reimbursement (when applicable)

Key Responsibilities

Client Support & Planning

• Treat all clients, stakeholders, referral sources, and team members with dignity and respect.

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all CARF, agency, and contractual standards.

• Review and compile vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to support individualized career planning.

• Conduct client orientations, explaining services, rights, responsibilities, and disclosure.

• Assist clients in identifying strengths, abilities, preferences, and employment goals through interviews, counseling, and community‑based activities.

• Provide ongoing benefits planning at the start of services, prior to job placement, and when employment circumstances change.

• Teach, coach, and reinforce job‑seeking and job‑retention skills.

Employer Engagement & Community Partnerships

• Develop strong employer relationships and promote the benefits of inclusive hiring.

• Identify and cultivate competitive, integrated employment opportunities.

• Educate employers on accommodations such as assistive technology, job carving, and workplace adaptations.

• Represent the program professionally at community events, presentations, and outreach activities.

• Advocate for clients in coordination with employers, families, schools, and community partners.

Service Delivery & Documentation

• Participate in team and planning meetings focused on shared decision-making for client employment goals.

• Maintain regular communication with referral sources regarding shared clients and new referrals.

• Track and report job development activities, employment outcomes, and retention updates to leadership.

• Respond to workplace crises involving clients, providing on‑site or off‑site support as needed.

• Travel extensively for job development, employer engagement, and client support (including transporting clients when appropriate).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, or independent living.

• Knowledge of case management principles, rehabilitation practices, and vocational support strategies.

• Familiarity with challenges faced by individuals with mental health or substance use disorders and available community resources.

• Awareness of legal requirements, treatment modalities, and court procedures related to mental health and substance use services.

• Ability to evaluate program services and provide constructive feedback.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for producing clear, accurate documentation.

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet‑based platforms.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

• Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• Required: Minimum of one year of experience delivering employment or vocational support services.

Position Perks & Benefits:

Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life

Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more

Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

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 user 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 prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.