Employment Specialist

High Plains Mental Health Center; Hays (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

PTO & Sick Time

403(b) Plan

KPERS Retirement Plan

Sign-On Bonus

Job summary

High Plains Mental Health Center is seeking a Supported Employment Specialist to help people with mental health challenges pursue meaningful work and build independence. You will conduct IPS services, meet clients in homes and job sites, and collaborate with employers and vocational partners to create placement opportunities.

You’ll coach job-search skills, provide on-site support, and participate in treatment planning to integrate employment goals with recovery.

Qualifications

• Experience counts in human services or equivalent work.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and empathy is essential.
• Comfortable in homes, community spaces, and job sites.
• Must be able to use computers and standard software.

Responsibilities

• Carry out IPS services including intake, assessment, job development, and follow-up.
• Meet clients in homes, community, and job sites to provide hands-on support.
• Identify interests, strengths, and goals through assessments.
• Connect clients with competitive employment aligned with goals.
• Partner with local businesses and agencies to build opportunities.
• Coach clients in job-search techniques and interview skills.
• Provide on-the-job support to ensure placement and retention.
• Attend treatment team meetings and align employment goals with recovery plans.
• Maintain service records and meet annual service hour targets.
• Travel locally to meet clients and partners; valid driver’s license required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Empathy

Tech-savvy

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Common software programs

Job description

Description

Supported Employment Specialist | Help People Build Careers, Confidence & Independence

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 at 7:00am CDT.

Interviews to be scheduled for September 9th-18th.

Location: Hays, Kansas | High Plains Mental Health Center

Pay: $22.36 per hour | $500 SIGN-ON BONUS!

Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person

Schedule: typical hours Monday-Friday 8am-5pm | On-call rotation

Why You Should Apply:

Are you looking for work that feels like it matters? As a Supported Employment Specialist with High Plains Mental Health Center, you’ll help people living with mental health challenges discover their strengths, pursue meaningful employment, and build greater independence.

This isn’t a typical 9-to-5 desk job. You’ll be out in the community, building relationships, connecting with employers, coaching individuals, and celebrating the moments when someone lands a job they once thought was out of reach.

Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you’ll work alongside individuals, employers, vocational partners, and mental health professionals to turn employment goals into real opportunities.

What You’ll Do:

• 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 —[Center vehicle provided] valid driver’s license required

Why Join Us?

At High Plains Mental Health Center, we're here for you — not only for the individuals and communities we serve, but for every member of our team. Our mission drives everything we do, and that includes supporting our employees with the same compassion, dedication, and care we offer our clients.

When you join us, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where your work has a real impact. You’ll provide critical mental health services to those who need them most, while being part of a team that values your expertise, supports your well-being, and invests in your professional growth through continuous learning and career advancement opportunities.

What We Offer:

-Competitive Pay: $22.36 per hour

-Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Excellent Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Extended Illness Time
• 403(b) Plan
• KPERS Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Benefits
• HSA & FSA
• 7 Paid Holidays
• Scholarship, work-study, & internship opportunities for employees
• $500 Sign-On Bonus
• And more!

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.
• Great with people — 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.