IPS Employment Specialist

Volunteers of America of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America of Alaska is seeking an IPS Employment Specialist to support transition-age youth (18–24) with severe mental illness in securing and maintaining employment through evidence-based IPS practices.

The role emphasizes community-based outreach, collaboration with DVR, educators, and employers, and the development of individualized employment plans. A non-exempt, full-time schedule requires strong communication and flexibility.

Qualifications

• Education in human services preferred, or 2+ years work experience with persons experiencing Severe Mental Illness (SMI).
• Strong ability to work with diverse populations and communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Engages youth assigned to caseload through relationship development and strengths-based planning.
• Implements IPS processes to ensure positive outcomes.
• Connects clients to competitive employment, training, schooling and self-sufficiency.
• Assesses work skills and discusses disclosure preferences with employers.
• Develops employment plans and coordinates with family supports and housing team.
• Maintains client confidentiality and completes required documentation.

Skills

Human services background

Diversity/community engagement

Decision making

Team player

Written and verbal communication

Travel flexibility

Driver's license/insurability

Education

Human Services or related field

Two years experience with SMI

Job description

Position Title: IPS Employment Specialist

Reports To: Program Manager - TAY Outpatient

Classification: Non-Exempt; ; Full-Time(40 hours/week)

Overview

The IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Specialist works with transition-age youth (TAY) (ages 18- 24) with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) to facilitate their movement towards greater self-sufficiency and successful achievement of their goals, one of which will be to obtain and maintain employment. The Individual Placement & Employment (IPS) Employment Specialist will engage referred TAY in an individualized process, engaging them in their own futures planning process to achieve their vocational goals.

VOA Alaska is a youth-serving organization providing prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. We are honored to walk with families during these times and provide support and hope through recovery. Our core values are connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy. We are looking for individuals who espouse these core values and align with this mission of services to the community.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

• Engages youth assigned to caseload through relationship development, person-centered

planning and focusing on their futures using a strength-based approach.

• Implements the TIP (Transition to Independence Process) and IPS Evidence Based Practices to ensure positive outcomes.


• Works primarily in the community connecting clients to competitive employment, necessary training, schooling and to assist them in becoming self-sufficient.


• Assesses clients' work skills and interest on reviewing background information and work experiences. Communicates client's preference for disclosure of mental health status to employers.


• Provides support for clients to learn about different jobs/careers by attending meetings with workers/managers to ask about positions that interest clients, meetings with academic advisors, observing workers and job fairs to speak with employers about various jobs.


• Responsible for job development and job search activities based on positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her/their caseload.


• Makes an average of six employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are to research the needs of the business, describe support offered by the VOA IPS program, and share client strengths that are relevant and beneficial to the position.


• Provides regular, ongoing support to assist clients in maintaining employment. Develops job support plans with clients and includes feedback from family members /natural supports and the VOA Supportive Housing team. Modify plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.


• Educates and supports employers as agreed upon by clients. Negotiates job accommodations by the IPS specialist with the employer. Conducts outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the service.


• Participates in weekly meetings with VOA Alaska Supportive Housing team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate vocational services with behavioral health services.


• Regularly meets with Department Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) counselors to coordinate services for clients. Works closely with individual counselors between meetings to assist clients. Responsible for a certain number of job starts per year or maintaining certain % employment on caseload.


• Develops an individual employment and/or education plan with clients, incorporating input from the Supportive Housing team and natural support, with client permission.


• Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community (i.e., meets clients at their homes, workplaces, coffee shops, libraries, state DVR office, family homes, helps clients follow up on job applications, and link clients to local GED programs and colleges).


• Educates clients about different education and vocational training opportunities related to client interests and academic aptitudes.


• Helps with financial aid, understanding loan obligations, applying for scholarships, obtaining tools, equipment and computers.


• Acknowledges and develops personal choice and social responsibility.


• Facilitates the development and use of problem-solving and decision-making skills.


• Participates in training on an initial and on-going basis.


• Completes clinical documentation as mandated by agency policies, Medicaid regulations, CARF standards and the Division of Behavioral Health grant conditions.


• Maintains client confidentiality and safeguards client information per 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.


• Must carry at least 15 hours of direct clinical care weekly, and be responsible for the following:


• Demonstrate knowledge of and practice of TIP/Motivational interviewing/counseling skills.


• Encourage reluctant and/or resistant patients and/or family members to stay in program and build motivation.


• Conduct Utilization Reviews to ensure the number of IPS services rendered to meet client’s needs.


• Effectively communicate to other members of the Supportive Housing team about patient care, important clinical data and treatment.


• Services to be provided will include, but are not limited to: Case Management, Intensive Case Management, Community Recovery Support Services, Screening/Survey, Employment assessment, Treatment Plan Development and Review and Crisis Stabilization.


• Functions as a full member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and works collaboratively with all team members to ensure transition age youth are receiving effective services in accordance with their assessment/treatment plan.


• Reviews Critical Incidents, Treatment Plans, Staffing Summaries, and Assessments of assigned staff to ensure quality care and compliance to policy and regulation [SC1] [M(2] [SC3] .


• Maintains client confidentiality and safeguards client information per 42 C.F.R. part 2 and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.


• Expected to complete all assigned duties in accordance with timelines established by immediate supervisor.


• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Education in the Human Services field (preferred), behavioral health or business, or a minimum of 2 years work experiences with persons experiencing Severe Mental Illness (SMI), substance use and/or behavioral disorders. Experience providing employment services.


• Proven ability to work with diverse community groups; with a focus on LGBTQ+ and poepl of Colors including Alaska Native people, knowledge of their values and belief systems and ability to provide culturally relevant services


• Ability to make sound decisions based on information available.


• Ability to work as a team player is crucial.


• Excellent writing and communication skills


• Ability to work flexible hours on occasions, including days, evenings, and some weekend hours (For example, weekend job fair and training events in the community)


• Ability to travel if required. Must have own vehicle to drive clients and proof of insurance 100/300. [SC4] [JJ5]


• Insurability by corporate liability insurance by VOA Alaska, including approval to drive clients in personal or agency vehicles.


• Ability to be able to drive own vehicle for business use.


• Ability to provide current credentials and if not current, willing to work towards certification requirements and obtain QAP within 3 years of hire.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Works in office areas. Interacts with staff, consultants, and outside vendors. May be subjected to interruptions throughout the workday.


• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. The vision requirement includes close vision.