IPS Specialist

Crosswindsks; Emporia (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Crosswindsks in Emporia, Kansas, is seeking an IPS Specialist to provide quality vocational services to adult clients. The ideal candidate will guide clients in job skills necessary for long-term employment and collaborate with community employers for successful placements.

This role requires an Associate’s degree and two years of experience in health and human services. Key responsibilities include direct training for clients and maintaining accurate records. Strong interpersonal skills and computer proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus two years’ experience in the health and human services field or four years’ experience required.
• Must complete Case Management Training and provide certificate within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work with persons with severe and persistent mental illness.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct vocational program services to guide clients in achieving job skills.
• Trains clients on job-related requirements and social behaviors.
• Collaborates with community employers for successful partnerships.

Skills

Vocational program services

Client training

Community collaboration

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate’s degree in health and human services

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling

Tools

Microsoft Office programs

Job description

IPS Specialist

Department

Community Support Services (CSS)

Created 3/7/24

Reports to Specialized Services Manager

Revised 8/29/2024

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

EEO - 1: Service Workers

Position Type: Full Time

Travel: Regular travel within service area

Work Hours: Mon – Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Positions Supervised: None

Summary

The IPS Specialist position provides quality vocational services to adult clients, in support of the client learning the job skills necessary to seek, obtain, and maintain successful, long-term employment.

Essential Functions

• Provides direct vocational program services in an effort to guide adult clients in achieving their job skill and employment goals.
• Trains adult clients in the knowledge and skills necessary to seek, obtain, and maintain successful, long-term employment. Teaches client work-related requirements such as time and attendance rules, social behaviors when interacting with supervisors and co-workers, and the specific requirements of the job according to the employer’s specifications.
• Provides immediate and constructive feedback to the client at the worksite, thus eliminating the need for full commitment of the employer’s personnel resources in the beginning of the process.
• Facilitates the placement of individuals in employment positions with businesses that employ non-disabled persons.
• Collaborates with community employers and other community service providers to achieve successful partnerships. Conducts public information duties for the vocational program by contacting employers in the community to link qualified clients with appropriate job positions, developing and distributing program literature, and speaking to community groups.
• Helps to achieve compliance with standards and reports applicable data as defined by Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services.
• Attends appropriate statewide meetings related to vocational services for disabled individuals.
• Meets or exceeds the billable hour standard of client contact hours set for position.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all client services, as defined by state licensing agencies, funding agencies, and Mental Health Center standards and requirements. Submits daily appointment sheets, progress notes, timesheets, and all work-related paperwork in a timely manner and in acceptable format as determined by agency requirements.
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative and creates a positive model for clients to emulate.
• Attends professional workshops and seminars in order to maintain and improve professional skills and meet licensure/certification requirements.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; handle objects; grasp and reach for items with hands and arms; manipulate hands and fingers; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is required to become certified in Managing Aggressive Behaviors (MAB), which includes training in proper restraint/physical intervention techniques to be utilized as a last resort. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Language skills are required, including the ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak the English language. This position also requires the ability to interpret written materials, write reports and business correspondence, and effectively present and respond to questions.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Associate’s degree plus two years’ experience in the health and human services field OR four years’ experience in the health and human services field is required. Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling is preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

Must complete Case Management Training and provide certificate within 6 months of hire.

Computer Skills

Computer experience in Microsoft Office programs and basic computer fluency.

Additional Qualifications

Ability to work with persons with severe and persistent mental illness; ability to work independently and as a member of a therapeutic team; possess demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to react effectively in a variety of human service situations.