Individual Placement Specialist

About the role

The Individual Placement Specialist provides opportunities and assistance for clients to obtain and maintain employment that aligns with their vocational goals. This role involves engaging employers in the communities where clients live, fostering connections for employment seekers. Networking with local employers and maintaining client relationships are key, with at least 65% of services delivered in the community.

Exceptional communication skills are essential to contact prospective employers on clients' behalf, support job seekers in their search, and guide them in maintaining employment.

Responsibilities

• Use the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to identify consumers with vocational goals, assess their preferences and readiness, and support them in finding and maintaining employment, including benefits counseling.
• Conduct a minimum of six in-person employer contacts per week in the community to develop relationships with managers or business owners, learn about business needs, describe program supports, and highlight job seeker strengths.
• Engage with employers to identify opportunities and facilitate client interviews, fostering trusting and collaborative relationships to secure competitive employment in community settings.
• Conduct job search activities tailored to the interests and uniqueness of clients, following IPS principles, including visiting businesses with job seekers to follow up on applications and speak with managers or owners.
• Complete foundational and ongoing training as required by the Office of Mental Health and other agencies.
• Spend 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community, meeting with potential employers and identifying employment opportunities.
• Assist clients in understanding how employment may affect their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid).
• Develop individualized employment (and/or education) plans with clients, incorporating input from mental health treatment teams and natural supports, with permission.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of job-related experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organization, communication, and computer skills.
• Experience working with people with severe mental illness, providing employment services, or knowledge of the work world is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate Degree preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.