Dream Connector - Monroe County na Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.

Job Title: Dream Connector

Grade: 23

Salary: $80,026 - $91,122

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH), in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and the New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH), is currently seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Dream Connector (Outreach and Engagement Specialist) in Monroe County in New York.

The NYS Employment Transition Model (ETM) and Demonstration Grant Project (DreamLink NY) aims to increase access to critical services for disconnected, transition-aged youth and young adults with disabilities (Y&YAD) leading to post-secondary education credentials, employment, and financial self-sufficiency.

The Dream Connector will serve as the key staff conducting outreach to state and local government, community organizations, and businesses. Dream Connector will also work with Y&YAD's and their families, which will require the ability to demonstrate respect for various backgrounds and cultures. Essential to this work is a strong belief that individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant barriers, can obtain competitive integrated employment within the general workforce, side-by-side with co-workers without disabilities.

A successful candidate will be prepared to engage and develop partnerships with various community organizations; meet with participants, families, and their natural supports; and represent NYS in a professional capacity. Candidates will also exhibit strong partnership development, outreach, leadership, problem solving, self-direction, time management and prioritization skills, and have an ability to effectively organize competing demands.

The primary schedule is normal weekday hours but will require periodic evening and weekend flexibility to accommodate participant and family availability. Occasional overnights may also be required for statewide ETM events.

Bi-lingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Main office location is as listed, however could be split between additional locations and in the community based on program needs
• Conduct outreach visits and presentations to local government partners and community organizations serving Y&YAD
• Conduct outreach to businesses in partnership with NYSDOL Business Engagement staff
• Regularly meet with the program management and quality improvement team to analyze and improve implementation of the DreamLink NY model
• Attend all Network Improvement Community events
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools and various program-specific IT applications
• Travel daily within the local region to meet with businesses, training providers, school districts, and community partners, as well as Y&YAD's and their families
• Work occasional evening and weekend hours to accommodate participant and family schedules
• Travel periodically overnight within NYS.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation, social work, public policy/administration, special education, and/or similar field preferred. Other degrees will be considered given relevant experience;
• Five or more years of field experience supporting individuals with disabilities in the context of one of NY's systems of care, including but not limited to education, supported employment, disability supports, workforce, foster care, children, and family services, and/or similar systems;
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle that can be used during work hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience serving and/or overseeing programs that support individuals with disabilities and/or other marginalized populations in their communities to achieve employment and/or education goals.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal support systems, including education, disability services, public benefits, foster care, children and family services, vocational rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation, or related topics is preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools.

Work Location: 100 College Ave Rochester NY 14617

To Apply: Submit an application through our website at https://rfmh.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please note only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

The Mission of the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. RFMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, RFMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring that RFMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. RFMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

The Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit corporation and is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. Excellent Benefits Package. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - Disabled/Veteran, 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant.