JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible and immediately supervised by the IPS Supervisor.

This position is responsible and held accountable for the following duties:

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job setting with other works who do not necessarily have disabilities
• Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
• Assists clients’ vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences. With client’s permission, provides education and support to family members. Discusses client’s preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interest and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
• Conducts a minimum of six employers contacts per week.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Writes job support plans with clients and incorporating input from the mental health team. Adjusts plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
• Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
• Provides outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the service.
• Provides timely interventions related to follow-up with clients and employers
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as requested.

Must perform the specific job duties as listed above to meet position expectations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associates degree in mental health, social services or business.

Current Certification as Peer Recovery Support Specialist or Certification as a Behavioral Health Case Manager 1

Work experience with severe and persistent mental illnesses or with individuals with similar human-service needs.

Work experience providing employment services and knowledge of the work world preferred

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and/or psychology

An expectation of core competencies in relation to individuals with co-occurring disorders

Ability to multi-task, communicate effectively, possess strong community outreach skills while working to build relationships and work collaboratively with co-workers, clients and community agencies and properties.