Employment Specialist - ACT Team

Why Prairie Ridge?

At Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, we believe meaningful work happens when compassionate people come together with a shared purpose. Our mission is to provide high-quality, client-centered care that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. We foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous growth—where every team member is valued and supported.

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy competitive compensation, flexible scheduling, and a robust benefits package. Including multiple health plan options, dental and vision coverage, and fully paid short- and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.

Prairie Ridge is a place where you can grow your career while making a lasting impact—on your clients, your community, and yourself.

What is an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team?

An ACT Team is a multidisciplinary group that provides comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to individuals with severe mental illnesses. ACT teams offer services directly in the community, including medication management, therapy, crisis intervention, and assistance with daily living activities. The goal is to reduce hospitalizations and improve the quality of life by helping individuals live independently and achieve their personal recovery goals. 

As a Vocational Specialist on the ACT Team at Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, you will support clients in achieving meaningful employment and career goals. Your responsibilities will include conducting skills assessments, providing job coaching, facilitating support groups, and collaborating with community partners for job development and placement. You’ll advocate for clients with potential employers, track progress toward individualized goals, and participate in integrated care team meetings. This is a dynamic, community-based role that requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a passion for empowering individuals through vocational success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Engage patients in job skill development and conduct interest and skills assessments.
2. Work with community partners on job development and job placement options.
3. Engage in job coaching and counseling with ACT Team members in need of these services.
4. Facilitate support groups and provide direct follow-up support.
5. Participate in ACT Team consultation meetings and in the on-call rotation. 
6. Monitor client progress in the services received and facilitate updating the individual service goals.
7. Advocate for the client with potential employers.
8. 8. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect while maintaining agency standards of confidentiality, professionalism and objectivity. 
   
9. 9.  Maintain all HIPAA and 42 CFR confidentiality requirements and regulations as outlined in CARF policies and procedures.
10. 10. Comply with agency policies, procedures and regulatory standards.
11. All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR POSITION

1. Master’s degree in Human Service and (1) year of practical experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Human Service such as sociology, social work, psychology, criminal justice, gerontology, counseling, education, or nursing and (3) years of experience in a related field. Networking experience preferred.
2. Valid Driver’s License
3. Vocational rehabilitation experience preferred.
4. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends if necessary.
5. Travel is required as this is a community-based job position. 
6. Supportive of the mission of Prairie Ridge and the patients we serve.
7. Proficiency in oral and written communication skills, as well as documentation requirements.
8. Technology skills allowing for proficiency in use of electronic health record.
9. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is often required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance.
   
10. The employee must infrequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or more up to 35 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.