IPS Employment Specialist (Washington County)

Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin; West Bend (WI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin is seeking an IPS Employment Specialist to provide Individual Placement Support for adults and youth with mental health or substance use disorders in West Bend, WI. The role includes vocational assessments and helping clients secure competitive employment with ongoing coaching.

The position is hybrid, with Mondays and Wednesdays in West Bend (8:00 AM–4:00 PM) and full 8-hour shifts on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in Washington County.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in human services, social work, business management or related field.
• Experience with individuals who have substance use disorders or mental illness.
• Experience providing employment services; 2 years preferred.
• Substance Abuse Counselor certification preferred.
• Previous networking or community engagement preferred.
• May work occasional evenings.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Criminal Background Check per WI licensure requirements.

Responsibilities

• Builds relationships with employers willing to hire adults/youth with mental health or substance use diagnoses.
• Completes referral, admissions, and assessment process for referred individuals.
• Engages clients and supports competitive employment in community settings.
• Uses IPS models to guide job development and client goals.
• Maintains documentation including daily case notes, monthly reports, and logs.
• Spends 65%+ of time in the community meeting clients and employers.

Skills

Workforce development

Job development

Relationship building

Cultural competency

Problem solving

Independent work

Communication

Organization

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in related field

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

The IPS Employment Specialist - provides Individual Placement Support (IPS) to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). The Specialist is responsible for conducting vocational assessments and assisting in finding competitive employment for adults and/or youth that is consistent with consumer preferences. Responsibilities include: assessing the needs of individuals and matching job seekers with appropriate jobs. The Specialist provides ongoing coaching to ensure employment success by implementing job development strategies and building relationships with a variety of employers.

This role will be hybrid, Monday and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM in West Bend, WI and 8 hour shifts on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Washington County.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES (FUNCTIONS) include the following:

• Builds effective relationships with, and develops a network of, employers willing and able to hire adults and/or youth with mental health diagnosis and/or substance abuse.
• Completes referral, admissions, and assessment process for individuals referred to the program.
• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community settings.
• Using evidence-based practice models in Individualized Placement and Support, helps clients think about long-term employment goals, work history, strengths, personal culture (as defined by each person), justice involvement, and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal.
• Coordinates case management services including written job development plans, monthly reports, case notes, and attendance at staffings.
• Discusses client's preference for disclosure of psychiatric or substance abuse status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specific information to be disclosed. Provides assistance with the job search regardless of client's preferences regarding disclosure (i.e., support without employer contact when client chooses not to disclose).
• Develops an individual employment plan with the client and with input from the mental health practitioner, other treatment team providers and family members (with permission).
• Spends 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meets with clients in community settings and develops relationships with managers at their businesses.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload (up to 20 consumers), following the practice principles of IPS.
• Facilitates at least six in-person employer contacts weekly to learn about businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific clients who are looking for work and/or to talk about employer services offered by the IPS program.
• Completes and maintains all related documentation including; daily case noting, program evaluation data, monthly progress reports, employer contact logs, weekly billing, as well as any additional required documentation.
• Receives clinical supervision from CTS supervisor regarding mental health diagnosis and treatments.
• Represents Easterseals, as appropriate, regarding mental health and substance abuse initiatives.
• Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.
• Achieves monthly productivity standards set by Management.
• Stays abreast of employment trends and initiatives related to mental health, substance abuse and IPS model to ensure quality and fidelity of the program.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists in coordinating the IPS Steering Committee and attends all meetings as deemed necessary by Supervisor.
• Assists in creating and maintaining an employment support group.
• Performs other duties (or functions) as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in human services, social work, business management or workforce development or related field required.
• Experience working with individuals who have substance use disorders or who have been diagnosed with mental illness.
• Experience providing employment services and 2 years professional work experience preferred.
• Substance Abuse Counselor certification preferred.
• Previous networking or community engagement preferred.
• May work occasional evenings.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must have proof of insurance AND meet the requirements of the Employee Driving Policy.
• A Criminal Background Check must meet the requirements of the State of WI licensure for day programming.

Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

• Knowledge of workforce development programs and services
• Ability to job develop and build relationships and connections between diverse groups.
• High level of cultural competency and appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to problem-solve and implement solutions.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to model and develop appropriate work behavior in others.
• Awareness of disability issues.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks.
• Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.
• Must exercise sound judgment in making decisions and act accordingly
• Skilled in MS Office Suite and productivity technology.

EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE:

• Telephone
• Computer
• Copy Machine
• Calculator
• Fax Machine
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be required to lift, carry, push or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Frequently requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching.
• Required to drive, and transport clients.
• Exposed to loud/noisy environments.