ACT IPS Employment Specialist

OverviewThe Individualized Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist is responsible for providing integrated, evidence-based vocational services to individuals at any stage of their recovery, regardless of their employment history or current barriers. Focuses on job readiness and vocational engagement, working under general supervision.

Compensation Range:$70,200.00 - $87,700.00 Annual

• Evaluates clients' work readiness and vocational needs through vocational testing, observation, and interviews. Gathers vocationally relevant information from clients, service providers, and significant others when appropriate.
• Provides case management and outreach-based services to clients with mental health disorders. Refers clients to appropriate vocational services and provide support during job training, advocacy, documentation, and follow-up appointments.
• Works with team members to understand the psychological, medical, social, and emotional factors influencing clients' vocational preparation. Participates in discharge planning, case conferences, and staff meetings as necessary.
• Offers vocational counseling and community resource planning. Facilitates and develop vocational workshops and group curriculums to enhance client engagement and participation.
• Assists with direct job development, placement activities, and post-placement support. Provides job retention support and develops plans to meet clients' needs for sustained employment.
• Coordinates with ongoing service providers and monitor clients' appointments with treatment programs, social services, and vocational providers. Maintains an up-to-date vocational/educational resource manual and submits required data for OMH reporting.
• Manages a caseload from vocational assessment to discharge. Tracks client progress, maintains accurate case notes and reports, and conducts periodic case record reviews.
• Develops partnerships with local employers through systematic job development and networking. Utilizes NYESS to provide job-related support, including benefits management and resume building.
• Commits to ongoing training (2-5 hours per month) and attends required trainings and off-site events.
• Reviews case activity/chart documentation for employed clients to ensure adequate job retention services are provided and documented in visit summaries. Follows up with employed clients via phone and in person to ensure job retention and clients' connection to necessary support services.
• Works closely with rehabilitation and vocational staff in programs across the organization.
• Encourages development of agency wide strategies to engage individuals around competitive integrative employment.
• Provides individualized follow along support. Individuals will receive support as long as necessary to address mental health barriers related to employment.
• Engages in a person-centered planning process to identify an individual's preferences related to jobs and employment.
• Takes part in ACT staff meetings, daily team meetings, survey and treatment plan reviews and other clinical team meetings when appropriate.
• Must spend at least 65% of their work hours off-site in the community. Off-site community locations should include Access-VR offices, employment settings, libraries, schools, colleges, coffee shops, individual’s homes, training sites and time spent traveling to different community locations.
• Documents progress updates with the ACT team during team meetings and service plans reviews.

• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

QualificationsLicenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver's License required
Education:
Bachelor's Degree Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or other Human Services field required
Work Experience:
Minimum of two years’ experience in a human/social services or vocational rehabilitation setting required
Proficient with personal computers, including Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills required
Bilingual skills preferred
Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation preferred
The ability to travel independently in the community and outreach with local employers required