Empowering people to move out of poverty and improve their quality of life since 1973.
RUBICON PROGRAMS INC
Rubicon Programs Inc
2500 Bissell Ave
Richmond, CA 94804
510 235 1516
Webmaster
TITLE: Vocational Specialist, Berkeley

AGENCY: The mission of Rubicon Programs Inc. is to create and deliver integrated solutions to profound social problems. Our purpose is to make a positive and lasting impact on people living in poverty and on people living with disabilities, especially psychiatric disabilities.  We empower people to move out of poverty and improve their quality of life.  Rubicon’s programs include workforce services, behavioral healthcare, case management, affordable housing, and legal services.

Rubicon has been identified as one of the nation’s top social entrepreneurs for four years in a row by Fast Company / Monitor Group.  We have been featured on NBC’s Today Show, CNN International, Inc Magazine and NPR.

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Vocational Specialist works under the supervision of the Berkeley Workforce Services Manager, and will provide employment preparation services and behavioral healthcare support to a variety of economically disadvantaged populations. The Vocational Specialist will also provide outreach to local organizations, attend meetings, and represent the agency at local community meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A Bachelor’s Degree, with at least three years of experience, including any combination of the following: employment/workforce services experience; a certificate or training and experience in substance abuse services and/or intervention techniques; behavioral healthcare experience and/or a work history with individuals with disabilities and/or a mental health diagnosis in a workforce services setting; Work experience of at least six years will be considered in lieu of a degree;
  • Knowledge of strategies used to assist the economically disadvantaged, including: individuals who: may be homeless, are at risk of homelessness, have a mental health diagnosis, are disabled, or other underrepresented populations;
  • Experience in assessment, career planning, developing goal-oriented service plans, and intensive case management;
  • Skills working with a diverse multi-agency team highly desirable, particularly those in the behavioral healthcare community, including: the City of Berkeley, the Department of Rehabilitation, and/or Berkeley Mental Health, as well as other public and private organizations;
  • The ability to work well independently and as a member of a team, to prioritize tasks and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, clients, co-workers and associates;
  • Bilingual English/Spanish ability desirable;
  • The ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms;
  • Computer literacy, including familiarity with standard software such as Microsoft Word and Outlook;
  • This position requires the employee to be able to travel efficiently throughout the Bay Area.  If the employee opts to meet these travel requirements by driving, proof of a valid and current driver license, current auto insurance, and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report are required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Creatively act as a bridge and/or liaison between the Behavioral Healthcare and Workforce Services divisions within Rubicon to increase program integration and assist in creating seamless service utilization between the two divisions;
  • Assist clients to assure the successful integration of clients into the workforce from intake through pre-employment preparation, and post-placement follow-up*;
  • Determine and clearly document eligibility for incoming clients per program requirements, perform intake and complete enrollment documentation as directed*;
  • Maintain a caseload by providing advocacy, Vocational Counseling, and supportive services, including regular contact and support for each active client on the caseload, consistently showing barriers as well as progress through written and online documentation procedures*;
  • Ensure the success of the individuals enrolled in our Behavioral Healthcare and Workforce Services programs by utilizing strategies that lead to higher level of client engagement, stabilization, placement, and outcomes for projects that the employee is working on, understanding that these strategies develop and change over time*;
  • Network with collaborating agencies, representing the agency in a professional manner and in some cases as the lead contact person as directed;
  • Increase referrals from local behavioral healthcare providers, including the State of California Department of Rehabilitation, Berkeley Mental Health, and/or other providers;
  • Participate in internal and external case conferences;
  • Exit clients from the caseload according to procedure, having clearly documented through written and online documentation any and all program outcomes in a timely manner;
  • Provide backup for the Substance Abuse Specialist, when directed or as needed;
  • Provide backup behavioral healthcare support to the programs at Rubicon Berkeley, including, but not limited to: counseling, rapid intervention, and/or referral to external providers when needed; and
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Berkeley Workforce Services Manager, or other identified supervisor.

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

HOURS: This is a full-time non-exempt position.

COMPENSATION: $36,500 - $40,200, depending upon experience; additional compensation of 5% of salary will be provided for proven English/Spanish bilingual capacity.

BENEFITS:  Two weeks of vacation; 11 paid holidays; 12 days of sick leave; partially paid health, dental, life insurance plans for employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week; optional employee-paid tax deferred annuity; employee assistance program; optional section 125 flexible spending accounts, and, if funds available, employer subsidized training.

NOTICE: This description is to be used as a guide only. It does not constitute a contract, commitment or promise of any kind. Rubicon reserves the right to change, add, delete, upgrade or downgrade the position as dictated by business necessity at anytime with or without notice.

We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To Apply: 
Send us an Applicant Tracking Form with either your resume or with an Employment Application

To obtain these forms:

1.  Download them below and then click here to submit them.  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader for the Application (download a free copy here).
Rubicon Applicant Tracking Form
Rubicon Employment Application

OR

2.  Send us your name and address to:
Application Request
Rubicon Programs c/o HR
2500 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804

OR

3.  Visit one of our locations in person.  Just ask at the front desk.
2500 Bissell Avenue, Richmond
1918 Bonita Street, Berkeley

Where to Submit
Send your completed Applicant Tracking Form with your resume or Employment Application to:
Rubicon Programs Inc.
Human Resources
2500 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, California 94804
Fax: (510) 412-9029
Email: hr@rubiconprograms.org