IPS Specialist

Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health delivers high quality services and support through state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, building a society where emotional wellness is a reality for everyone.

About the role

Vibrant’s Older Adult Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program helps older adults (50+) with serious mental disorders achieve independence and live meaningful lives in their communities. The program is mobile, multi-disciplinary, and available 24/7. As the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Specialist, you will assist clients with obtaining and maintaining employment aligned with their vocational goals, including support for schooling and technical training for career advancement.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized supported employer services for ACT clients using the evidence-based IPS model.
• Engage clients in individual and group settings to build trust and collaborate on competitive employment opportunities.
• Assist clients in understanding how entitlements will be affected by employment.
• Assess clients' vocational skills and preferences.
• Conduct job development and job search activities tailored to each client’s interests and uniqueness, following IPS principles.
• Contact employers weekly to learn about business needs and describe program supports.
• Provide education and support to employers.
• Participate in weekly mental health treatment team meetings and coordinate vocational services with treatment plans.
• Perform other assigned tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Mental Health Discipline or related field.
• 1-2 years of experience with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.
• 1-3 years of experience in job development and employer engagement for underserved communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• 75-100% travel within NYC boroughs and neighboring counties.
• Bilingual/bicultural skills preferred.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to mental health, disability, and employment challenges.
• Ability to conduct vocational assessments.
• Strong business communication and negotiation skills.
• Responsiveness and crisis management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary mental health treatment teams.
• Proficiency in documentation, record-keeping, and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to work independently while meeting program standards and performance measures.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• 75-100% travel within NYC boroughs and neighboring counties, requiring robust physical activity, coordination, and stamina.
• Comfort commuting via public transportation and constant exposure to outdoor conditions.
• Comfortable meeting with clients inside their homes.
• Must be able to constantly communicate with program participants, service providers, and colleagues to exchange accurate information.

Pay

$29.23 - $32.98/hour. Base pay is determined through a comprehensive review of skills, experience, education, certifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Schedule

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Supplemental income insurance.
• Employer-paid disability and life insurance.
• Pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care.
• 401K retirement plan.