IPS Employment Specialist

Job Purpose

This position functions as a professional staff member of a multi-disciplinary team providing assistance with employment goals. This position will also work in the community as a job developer.

Qualifications

• Education and experience equivalent to undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, or business.
• Experience working with people with severe mental illnesses, experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred.

Core Job Duties

• Engages individuals with the goal of competitive employment in community job settings.
• Assists individuals in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI or Medicaid) and how they will be affected by employment. Refers person(s) served to benefits counseling, as needed. Aids in reporting of earnings, as needed.
• Assesses vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences. With permission, provides education and support to family members. Discusses an individual’s psychiatric status with employers if they wish to disclose.
• Conducts job development and job search activities to help individuals find positions that match their interests and needs, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
• Conducts a minimum of six face-to-face employer contacts per week.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist individuals in maintaining employment. Writes job support plans with person(s) served, incorporating input from the mental health team. Adjusts plan according to needs and preferences.
• Provides education and support to employers, with an individual’s agreement and consent, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
• Participates in face-to-face meetings with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least once a month to coordinate services for person(s) served.
• Adherence to all applicable evidence-based practice models.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of diagnostic criteria sets for substance use and/or mental disorders.
• Orally communicate information effectively and accurately.
• Assure program operates within the constraints of the agency’s certification (CARF, DMH) standards and strategic plan related to clinical care.
• Abide by program and agency policies and procedures
• Other job duties and special projects as assigned.