IPS Employment Specialist - 00219 (ACH023) - Mon - Fri 9AM - 5PM

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide IPS services in alignment with the evidence-based model, spending at least 65% of work time off-site in the community conducting job development and direct service.
• Conduct vocational assessments to identify strengths, interests, skills, and employment goals.
• Facilitate individualized and group vocational counseling, job readiness activities, and employment coaching.
• Develop job leads, employer contacts, and vocational curriculum to support competitive employment.
• Enter and maintain client data in the New York State Employment Services System (NYESS) and other required databases.

Employer & Community Engagement

• Build and sustain a network of employers to create ongoing competitive job opportunities.
• Perform outreach to businesses, community partners, and mental health agencies to promote program services.
• Monitor job placements and transitional employment sites to ensure employer and participant satisfaction.
• Advocate for participants in workplace settings and support job retention.

Team Collaboration & Compliance

• Work collaboratively with ACT team members (nursing, substance use, family specialists, and case managers) to integrate employment into clients’ treatment plans.
• Participate in case conferences, team meetings, and clinical discussions to support coordinated care.
• Serve as a liaison between the ACT team and external agencies as needed.
• Document all client interactions in the EHR within 48 hours, ensuring compliance with agency, OMH, and AOT regulations.
• Complete CAIRS documentation at admission, bi-annually, and discharge.

Training & Program Fidelity

• Enroll and actively participate in the Center for Practice Innovation’s IPS Learning Collaborative.
• Attend required IPS and ACT trainings, supervision, in-service sessions, and professional development.
• Maintain fidelity to the IPS model and complete tasks solely related to IPS service delivery.
• Enter all required data and visits in VelloHealth.

Administrative & Additional Duties

• Maintain accurate employment records and required documentation.
• Communicate relevant client and operational updates to the Team Leader and leadership as needed.
• Support clients in accessing community resources and accompany them to appointments when necessary.
• Operate an agency vehicle as required.
• Uphold confidentiality and follow all incident reporting procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory staff or agency leadership.

Qualifications

• Must hold an associate’s degree in a related human service field.
• One year of training and/or experience in vocational assessment, job exploration, and skills development in choosing, getting, and maintaining employment, employment counseling or vocational rehabilitation.
• Experience working with behavioral health population preferred.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email, navigate and enter all documentation into electronic medical record.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and vehicle required – candidates are subject to regulatory background checks and must be willing to utilize own vehicle for home visits.