The IPS Supported Employment Specialist is responsible for clinical services provided to adults, as assigned. Assist Participants in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their goals and recovery. Coordinate the timely, productive exchange of clinical and employment information between and within the teams, members’ families, and other participants of the community support team. Assist members in developing employment skills, gaining confidence, and managing symptoms that may interfere with work and other functioning. Actively engage members in skill-building activities that promote growth and empowerment. Help members identify employment goals, make informed decisions, and access necessary or desired resources. Operate as a member of a multidisciplinary team; share and document observations, identify problems and unmet or changing needs, and implement strategies outlined in the member’s service plan. Learn and implement specific strategies and practices outlined in the IPS model’s framework including: adherence to the zero exclusion principle, structured job development, rapid job searches, consumer preference and integration with mental health treatment team.

Essential Responsibilities and Metrics

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Comprehensive Mental Health Assessments

• Development, modification, and review of treatment plan

• Community outreach

• Counseling

• Client centered consultation with community providers

• Attendance and participation at clinical presentations

• Use of supervision or consultation when required or needed

• Provide timely and accurate assessments and effective assistance with goal setting and goal achievement with up to 20 Participants. Search for methods to develop member strengths; and to make use of naturally-occurring community resources

• Assess members’ vocational functioning on an ongoing basis using background information and work experience

• Assist members in job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with their needs and interests, using the principles and procedures of supported employment

• Provide individualized, time unlimited follow along services to assist members in sustaining employment

• Provide education and support to employers, as agreed by the member, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow along contact with the employer

• Provide engagement services as necessary to consumers when they appear to disengage from the service. Maintain some contact with the member even without a vocational focus if necessary to sustain engagement

• Meet regularly with treatment team members to coordinate and integrate vocational services into mental health treatment

• Help members create individual vocational service plans in concert with their case manager, and other treatment team providers

• 50% of total work hours are allocated to direct client services. Maintain billing record average of 3.5 hours of direct client services per work day and 17.5 hours per week

• Spend at least 65% of total work hours in the community to engage and support members, family, and employers

• Ensure that all charts comply with CARF and DRS regulations

• Achieve a minimum of 12 new job placements (job starts) for Participants on your caseload per year

• Know the events, issues, and problems relevant to people with mental illness (local, state, national policies, law suits, etc.). Maintain communication with employers and use this network as a referral source.

• Use effective and professional skills to build rapport and communication. Maintain regular contact with your supervisor and keep them informed of issues related to members, service, and the service team. Meet with your supervisor weekly

• Be aware of your role model function as professional staff in the building and its effect on members and colleagues by participating in social and work functions of the agency

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Keep weekly schedule current

• Be responsive to the business office regarding client fees/payments

• Complete requests time off in a timely manner through the Program Director

• Participate in Accreditation and Certification processes as directed

• Participate in Committee Work as directed

• Participate in Strategic Planning as appropriate

• Represent the agency with integrity

Qualifications

• Clinically related bachelor’s degree

• Three professional references that reflect ability to perform clinical work

• Ability to read, write, and speak English

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