Employment Specialist- Behavioral Health Team

Goodwill; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO

403B

Lifestyle Spending accounts

Training and recognition programs

Job summary

Goodwill of Central Iowa is seeking an Employment Specialist on the Behavioral Health Team to help participants find and maintain competitive employment. The role combines vocational assessment, job development, and service planning within IPS practices, collaborating with behavioral health partners.

On-site and office-based work support is required. You will build employer partnerships, coach job seekers in resumes and applications, and ensure goal-oriented progress while aligning with program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, business, education, marketing, or related field from an accredited college.
• Two years' experience working with people with severe mental illness and/or history of substance abuse and experience providing employment and job placement services is preferred.
• Experience partnering and/or referring agencies such as behavioral health agencies, IVRS, MCOs, DHS, and other local/state resources.
• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
• Must be able to perform basic math.
• Access to reliable transportation for regular participation in work.
• Possession of valid Iowa Driver's License and adequate auto insurance coverage.
• Must be able to pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Supports participants enrolled in IPS Services.
• Manages a caseload of program participants as determined by supervisor.
• Develops partnerships with community employers and resources.
• Assists participants in building and executing their ISP including employment prep, job development, and retention.
• Works with participants to complete resumes, applications, and cover letters.
• Adheres to IPS core principles focusing on competitive employment and rapid job search.
• Performs job development and job search directed toward individualized positions.
• Provides ongoing on-site support and 1-1 coaching after employment is obtained.
• Maintains communication with care teams and mental health providers.
• Facilitates communication with the Vocational Skills Manager and Mental Health Treatment Team.
• Creates documentation to meet funding and program requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Math

Driving

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services, business, education, marketing, sales, human resources, or related field

Job description

Work To Support Our Mission of Making Purposeful Employment Possible in Central Iowa

Being a part of the Goodwill of Central Iowa team gives you a lot to feel good about. Whether you are working in our retail stores, providing direct support and training to our participants, or continuing your career at headquarters in operations or administrative support, you are making a difference in your community.

Learn how we are all working together to make purposeful employment possible for all central Iowans.

Position:Employment Specialist- Behavioral Health Team

Location: Headquarters: 5355 NW 86th St.

Johnston, IA

Job Id:6260-2026

# of Openings:1

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for an Employment Specialist- Behavioral Health Team to assist program participants in finding and maintaining employment with our values are love, kindness, and respect.

• A competitive industry hourly pay rate- dependent upon relevant years of experience.
• PTO increases after 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years!
• 5% employer match for retirement account

An Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist provides vocational assessment and employment services to GCI (Goodwill of Central Iowa) participants in collaboration with behavioral health and vocational rehabilitation agencies. This position will assist participants in finding and maintaining competitive employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. The IPS Employment Specialist will perform work from the offices of a partnering behavioral health agency as well as GCI offices.

What You'll Do:

• Supports participants enrolled in Individual Placement Support (IPS) Services program.
• Manages a caseload of program participants as determined by supervisor.
• Develops and builds partnerships with community employers and resources.
• Assists participants in building and executing their ISP (Individual Service Plan) including employment preparation, job development, and employment retention.
• Works with program participants to complete resumes, applications, and cover letters.
• Adheres to the core principles of IPS which include: A focus on competitive employment, rapid job search, eligibility based on client choice, attention to client’s preferences in employment services and supports, the integration of employment and clinical services, time-unlimited support, and systematic job and employer relationship development.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on their case load, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
• Provides ongoing support to participants once employment is obtained to ensure participant success in their job, including on-site support and 1-1 coaching sessions.
• Maintains regular communication, engagement, and meetings with the participant's care teams and mental health providers.
• Facilitates open and frequent communication with the Vocational Skills Manager and Mental Health Treatment Team.
• Creates and maintains appropriate documentation to meet funding, program, and reimbursement requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What you'll need :

• Bachelor's degree in human services, business, education, marketing, sales, human resources, or related field from an accredited college.
• Two years' experience working with people with severe mental illness and/or history of substance abuse and experience providing employment and job placement services is preferred.
• Experience partnering and/or referring agencies such as behavioral health agencies, IVRS (Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services), MCOs (Managed Care Organizations), DHS (Department of Health and Human Services), and other local and state resources.
• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
• Must be able to perform basic math.
• Access to reliable transportation for regular participation in work.
• Possession of valid Iowa Driver's License, a good driving record, insurable, and able to provide proof of personal vehicle insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident auto insurance liability coverage.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and dependent adult and child abuse background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel within GCI territory to perform work within the community.
• Ability to remain seated periodically.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods of time.
• Ability to regularly carry, lift, push, or pull up to 20 lbs regularly.
• Ability to tolerate variations in work environment temperature.

Working Conditions:

• Variable work environments based on workload and participant needs or various sites within the community.

Goodwill of Central Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability) and E-Verify Participant.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

At goodwill,We Value Love Kindness and Respect

Explore the Benefits of Working at Goodwill of Central Iowa

Great benefit opportunities for both part-time and full-time employees including health benefits, PTO, 403B, Lifestyle Spending accounts, training and recognition programs and more. Learn more about our benefit opportunities when you work for Goodwill of Central Iowa.

Goodwill of Central Iowa and our affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disability) and E-Verify Participants.