Employment Specialist (IPS) - Community Support Program

The Bridge; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking an Employment Specialist for its Community Support Program in New York. In this role, you will empower individuals with serious mental illnesses to achieve meaningful employment through assessment, benefits counseling, and job readiness support. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in a community-based setting, along with expertise in the IPS model. Responsibilities include networking with local employers and delivering services in the community, making a significant impact on clients' lives.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience providing direct services to individuals with serious mental illness.
• Proven track record in providing Employment Services.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Assess consumer employment preferences and provide coaching.
• Network with local employers to develop job opportunities.
• Document services in compliance with health guidelines.

Skills

Experience with the IPS model

Computer literacy

Recovery-oriented practice

Bilingual Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Employment Specialist (IPS) - Community Support Program

The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization.

Scope of Position: Join our Team as a IPS Employment Specialist, where you'll play a pivotal role in empowering consumers to achieve meaningful employment. You'll assess employment preferences, provide benefits counseling, and support job readiness through coaching and resource connections. Networking with local employers and maintaining client relationships will be key, with at least 65% of services delivered in the community—conducting visits in residences, shelters, and other community settings. This field-based position covers 3 ACT teams in either the Bronx or Manhattan, offering a dynamic opportunity to impact lives through sustainable employment solutions.

Essential Position Functions

• Use the Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model to identify consumers who have a vocational goal, assess consumers' vocational preferences and readiness, support consumers in finding and maintaining employment, provide benefits counseling;
• Develop networks and relationships with local employers for job development;
• Collaborate with consumers’ support networks as needed to promote progress and success in their vocational goals.
• Use motivational interviewing, recovery, and trauma-informed approaches when delivering services.
• Complete foundational and ongoing training as required by the Office of Mental Health and The Bridge.
• Provide at least 65% percent of services in the community, including but not limited to conducting client visits in their residences, shelters, and community locations while networking with local employers for job development.
• Attend and participate in daily team meetings with ACT team members to discuss clients’ clinical and case management issues and needs.
• Complete documentation required by the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) licensing guidelines, NYS Medicaid billing guidelines (when services are Medicaid reimbursable) as well as per The Bridge ACT Policy and Procedures.
• Utilize best and evidence-based approaches to treatment consistent with The Bridge’s organizational culture; health/mental health integration, rehabilitation, and recovery, and understanding the impact of trauma on treatment engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 3 years’ experience providing direct services to individuals with a serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and co-morbid medical conditions in a community-based setting with at least 2 years of experience providing Employment Services.
• High degree of computer literacy is necessary including competence with EHR.
• Demonstrated expertise in recovery-oriented, evidence-based practice.
• Experience with the IPS model is highly desired.
• Highly organized and self-motivated.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated experience with diverse adults receiving mental health treatment, including delivery of treatment to individuals with serious mental illness, functional impairments, and psychosocial needs (homelessness, justice involvement, poverty, unemployment).
• Bilingual Spanish is highly preferred.

The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmitative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer