Employment Specialist

Heritage Behavioral Health Center; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Every other Friday off – paid wellness

56 paid days off in first year

Health, dental, vision insurance

401k and Roth

Tuition assistance and CE

NHSC loan forgiveness eligibility

Job summary

Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, IL is hiring an Employment Specialist to provide Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services. The role focuses on rapid job search, tailored job development, and collaboration with clinical teams to help clients achieve meaningful, competitive employment.

You will work with mental health and/or substance use challenges, helping clients pursue their preferred employment paths while maintaining documentation and fidelity to IPS standards.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and engagement skills to support individuals in achieving employment goals.
• Ability to build relationships with both clients and employers.
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and motivational skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job development and placement services based on client preferences, strengths, and experiences.
• Support rapid job search efforts, minimizing pre-employment barriers and focusing on competitive employment.
• Develop relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities and advocate for clients.
• Assist clients with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and job retention skills.
• Provide ongoing, individualized support to help clients maintain employment, including on-the-job coaching as needed.
• Collaborate closely with behavioral health treatment teams to integrate employment goals into overall care.
• Educate clients on how employment may impact benefits and connect them to benefits counseling as needed.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation in accordance with IPS fidelity standards and agency requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and IPS fidelity reviews to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Engagement skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Employment Specialist

FIRST.IL Full Time 151 North Main, Decatur, Decatur, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1608

Salary Range: $18.00 To $25.00 Hourly

Employment Specialist

Job Description

Employment Specialist

• High School or GED: $18.00/hour + 56 paid days off annually
• High School or GED + 5 years’ experience: $23.00/hour + 56 paid days off annually
• Bachelor’s Degree: $25.00/hour + 56 paid days off annually
• Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification

Schedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
• 56 paid days off in your first year
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff’s needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

Your Role:

As an Employment Specialist providing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services at Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, Illinois, you will help individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment aligned with their preferences. This role follows the IPS evidence-based model, emphasizing rapid job search, individualized support, and integration with clinical treatment teams.

You will work collaboratively with clinical staff, employers, and community partners to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment, enhancing recovery, independence, and overall quality of life.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized job development and placement services based on client preferences, strengths, and experiences.
• Support rapid job search efforts, minimizing pre-employment barriers and focusing on competitive employment.
• Develop relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities and advocate for clients.
• Assist clients with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and job retention skills.
• Provide ongoing, individualized support to help clients maintain employment, including on-the-job coaching as needed.
• Collaborate closely with behavioral health treatment teams to integrate employment goals into overall care.
• Educate clients on how employment may impact benefits and connect them to benefits counseling as needed.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation in accordance with IPS fidelity standards and agency requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and IPS fidelity reviews to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of recovery principles and the role of employment in recovery
• Familiarity with the IPS Supported Employment model (preferred)
• Knowledge of local labor market trends, employers, and workforce resources

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills to support individuals in achieving employment goals
• Ability to build relationships with both clients and employers
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and motivational skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment

Abilities:

• Work independently while maintaining accountability and productivity expectations
• Adapt to changing client needs, job markets, and work environments
• Utilize technology for documentation, job search, and communication
• Demonstrate cultural competence and a strengths-based, person-centered approach

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 5 years of supervised mental health or social service experience
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or human service field preferred
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.

Heritage also offers the following with this position:

• Generous Time Off : Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401k and Roth
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corp