Employment Specialist
Hands Across Long IslandEmployment Specialist
The Opportunity: Hands Across Long Island, Inc. (HALI) is a non-profit, peer-run mental health agency dedicated to providing advocacy and support for individuals experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, and co-occurring life issues. At HALI, we foster a collaborative, flexible, and supportive work environment, complemented by a competitive benefits package.
Position Summary: The Employment Specialist is a key member of the HALI Empowerment team, focused on helping individuals with a key step in recovery – identifying and achieving their employment goals. This role provides support throughout the employment process, from resume development to job search strategies. The Employment Specialist reports to the Director, Employment Services.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist community members in exploring their passions, skills, and experiences to set and achieve their employment goals.
- Provide guidance on pre-employment tasks including resume building, job searching, and interview preparation.
- Build connections with local organizations to create referral sources and collaborative opportunities.
- Support individuals in identifying barriers to employment, including benefits navigation and skills development.
- Utilize frameworks such as Trauma Informed Peer Support, Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Eight Dimensions of Wellness, Recovery Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, and Active Listening.
- Facilitate self-help groups at the Recovery Center.
- Promote a positive image of HALI through inter-agency relationships and public speaking.
- Uphold the agency’s vision of recovery, peer support, empowerment, and social justice.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job responsibilities.
Qualifications:
Required:
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in direct community support, outreach, or engagement.
- Self-identification as a current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services, with the ability to relate personal experiences to others.
- Ability to articulate peer roles and values, including the impact of trauma with an understanding of peer, self-help, and rights-based movements.
- Understanding of Motivational Interviewing.
- Valid NYS driver’s license.
Preferred:
- Currently pursuing or possess NYS Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or CPS-P or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or CRPA-P credentials.
- Understanding of additional relevant service tools and frameworks such as Trauma Informed Peer Support, Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Eight Dimensions of Wellness, Recovery Coaching, and Active Listening.
- Familiarity with behavioral health and social service resources.
- Experience facilitating group sessions.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Work Location: Central Islip, NY. Local travel may be required; HALI vehicles may be used as appropriate.
Work Hours/Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Pay: $45,000-$55,000 annually, dependent upon experience and credentials.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Term Life/AD&D/Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, 403(b) with Matching, Paid Time Off (PTO).
At HALI, we celebrate diversity and embrace inclusivity in all aspects of our operations. We believe that diversity enriches our culture, fuels innovation, and leads to empowerment for both employees and participants. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to all employees, participants, and the community.
Hands Across Long Island is an equal opportunity employer, where employment is based on personal capabilities and qualifications, in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws.