Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist – CCBHC Kennebec Behavioral Health

Kbhmaine; Waterville (ME); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short and long-term disability

403(b) with employer match

Paid time off (20 days vacation, 12hol

1 personal day

Generous travel reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Kennebec Behavioral Health (KBH) is seeking a compassionate Supported Employment Specialist to provide person-centered employment support using the IPS model at our Waterville location. You will help individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges find meaningful employment and education aligned with their goals.

Responsibilities include building client relationships, assisting with job search, resumes, interviews, and onboarding, and connecting clients to GED programs and further

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mental Health, Human Services, Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, or related field preferred (Relevant experience and/or certifications may be considered in lieu of degree).
• MHRT-C or be eligible for a provisional MHRT-C is required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required.
• Willingness to complete ACRE-approved Employment Specialist training and IPS certification.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated respect, compassion, and empathy in professional interactions.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and person-centered care principles.
• Ability to manage documentation, time, and multiple tasks efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with clients to support their vocational aspirations
• Provide hands-on assistance in job search, resume preparation, interview practice, and onboarding support
• Connect clients with GED programs, career training, and post-secondary education options
• Support clients in accessing financial aid, scholarships, and student services
• Collaborate with employers to develop job opportunities that align with client strengths
• Educate and support employers to foster inclusive hiring practices
• Participate in IEP/504 meetings for young adults in transition
• Maintain close communication with interdisciplinary treatment teams
• Ensure timely documentation, data collection, and reporting
• Uphold the fidelity of the IPS model and participate in related training and certification

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mental Health or related field

Job description

If you are passionate about empowering individuals to thrive in the community, Kennebec Behavioral Health wants to talk to YOU!

Kennebec Behavioral Health, established in 1960 to provide comprehensive behavioral health services and named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for 6 consecutive years, is seeking a compassionate, energetic and dedicated Supported Employment Specialist to join our dynamic team in our Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) at our Waterville location. This individual will provide person-centered employment support services following the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. You will play a vital role in helping individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges find and maintain meaningful employment and educational opportunities that align with their personal goals.

As a Supported Employment Specialist with KBH, your primary job duties would be:

• Build trusting relationships with clients to support their vocational aspirations
• Provide hands-on assistance in job search, resume preparation, interview practice, and onboarding support
• Connect clients with GED programs, career training, and post-secondary education options
• Support clients in accessing financial aid, scholarships, and student services
• Collaborate with employers to develop job opportunities that align with client strengths
• Educate and support employers to foster inclusive hiring practices
• Participate in IEP/504 meetings for young adults in transition
• Maintain close communication with interdisciplinary treatment teams
• Ensure timely documentation, data collection, and reporting
• Uphold the fidelity of the IPS model and participate in related training and certification

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health, Human Services, Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, or related field preferred (Relevant experience and/or certifications may be considered in lieu of degree). MHRT-C or be eligible for a provisional MHRT-C is required. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required. Willingness to complete ACRE-approved Employment Specialist training and IPS certification. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated respect, compassion, and empathy in professional interactions. Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and person-centered care principles. Ability to manage documentation, time, and multiple tasks efficiently.

Why Join KBH?

Impactful Work that will help individuals gain independence through employment and education. Supportive Environment where you will be part of a team that values collaboration, respect, and personal growth. Ongoing Training with access to professional development and IPS model certification. Community-Focused where work will truly make a difference!

We invite you to discover Kennebec Behavioral Health.

KBH is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) that provides workers with qualifying employment and loan payments federal student debt forgiveness after 10 years or 120 monthly payments . Other benefits are:

• COMPETITIVE PAY
• HEALTH INSURANCE WITH 3 PLAN OPTIONS AND STARTS ON DAY 1
• DENTAL, VISION; AND LIFE INSURANCE (PAID BY KBH FOR EMPLOYEE)
• SHORT AND LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE (PAID BY KBH)
• 403(b) WITH EMPLOYER MATCH AFTER 1 YEAR OF EMPLOYMENT
• SUPPORTIVE WORK ENVIORNMENT
• GENEROUS PER MILE TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
• WELLNESS PROGRAMS WITH SOME REIMBURSEMENTS
• PAID TIME OFF INCLUDES: 20 DAYS VACATION, 12 HOLIDAYS, 8 SICK DAYS AND 1 PERSONAL DAY