Supported Employment Specialist

Location: Hays, Kansas

Pay: $22.36 per hour

About the Role

As a Supported Employment Specialist with High Plains Mental Health Center, you’ll support individuals facing mental health challenges by helping them find meaningful, competitive employment. You’ll work directly with clients, local employers, and mental health professionals, making an immediate and lasting difference in the lives of others.

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• Passionate about mental health
• Driven and highly organized
• Skilled in community networking
• Looking for a rewarding and purposeful career

Responsibilities

• Carry out all phases of IPS (Individual Placement & Support) services including intake, assessment, job development, and long-term follow-up
• Meet with clients in homes, the community, and job sites to provide hands-on support
• Help clients identify their interests, strengths, and job goals through personalized assessments
• Rapidly connect clients with competitive employment opportunities that align with their goals
• Partner with local businesses, employment agencies, and DCF Vocational Rehabilitation to build job opportunities
• Teach and coach clients in job-search techniques, interview skills, and workplace success strategies
• Provide on-the-job support and coaching to ensure successful placement and retention
• Attend treatment team meetings and collaborate with mental health staff to integrate employment goals into recovery plans
• Maintain detailed service records and meet annual service hour expectations
• Travel locally to meet with clients and partners (valid driver’s license required)

Requirements

• Experience counts! We accept equivalent work experience in human services (e.g., teaching, daycare, CNA, etc.) or a BA/BS degree. One year of related work equals one year of college.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication, and empathy are essential.
• Comfortable in a variety of human service settings, including homes, job sites, and community spaces.
• Tech-savvy—able to confidently use computers, phones, and common software programs.
• Clear background required—must pass KBI, child/adult abuse registry, motor vehicle screens, and drug screening. Candidates are also subject to a random drug testing pool.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required for transporting clients and travel across service areas.

Benefits

• Competitive pay: $22.36 per hour
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance through state employee health plan (SEHP)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Extended Illness Time
  • 403(b) plan
  • KPERS Retirement plan
  • Supplemental benefits (offered through Aflac)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 7 Paid Holidays
• $325 Sign-On Bonus

Schedule

• Full-time, in-person
• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (with on-call rotation)