IPS Supported & Educational Specialist

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Carrries out the services of the IPS Supported Employment program by assisting clients to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. Provides support for schooling and technical training for career advancement.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities.
• Affirms clients' vocational skills and preferences on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.
• With the client's permission, provides information and support to family members.
• Discusses client's preference for disclosure of mental health status to employers.
• Helps clients learn about different jobs/careers by assisting with meetings with workers/managers to ask about positions that interest clients, meetings with academic advisors, observing workers (one day or less in duration), and job fairs to speak with employers about different types of jobs.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment.
• Writes job support plans with clients and incorporates input from family members (with client permission) and the mental health team. Adjusts plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
• Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients. May negotiate job accommodations and follow-up contact by the IPS specialist with the employer.
• Provides timely interventions. Returns phone calls and reacts to situations in a timely manner. For example, returns client phone calls within 24 hours. Goes to see employers about job loss or job problems within 24 hours. Follows up on job leads within 48 hours.
• Makes regular visits to clients at their homes, workplaces, coffee shops, libraries, One-Stop offices, state VR office, family homes, helps clients follow up on job applications, and goes with clients to visit local GED programs and colleges.
• Assists clients in learning about different education and vocational training programs related to client interests and academic aptitudes. Focuses on mainstream education and certificate training programs only.
• Provides supports with financial aid including the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), understanding loan obligations, applying for scholarships, obtaining tools, equipment and computers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in person and virtual methods.
• Ability to work independently and be part of a team required.
• Ability to think critically and use data to assist participants required.
• Belief in the concept of mental health recovery.

Qualifications

• Education Level: Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or health related field required.
• Years Of Experience: Experience working in a behavioral health care environment with adults with mental illness is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Standing – 20%
• Sitting – 80%
• Squatting – Occasional
• Kneeling – Occasional
• Bending – Occasional
• Driving – Occasional
• Lifting – Occasional

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• 403b retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and ten paid holidays
• AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)
• Employee Resource Groups
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

Disclaimer

Time Type: Full time
Pay Range: $19.10--$26.80
DISCLAIMER: The duties and responsibilities described in this document are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time, or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Time Type Full time Pay Range $19.10--$26.80