IPS Specialist

RCS Empowers Inc; Sheboygan (WI); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

RCS Empowers, Inc. is seeking an IPS Specialist in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This professional, community-based role uses the IPS model to help individuals with mental health or substance use challenges find and maintain meaningful employment or education aligned with their goals.

You will work mostly in the community, building relationships with participants and local employers, providing job development, placement, and ongoing support, and maintaining accurate program data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree REQUIRED in Human Services, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, community-based role.
• Knowledge of local business community (preferred).
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license, reliable vehicle, good driving record.
• Flexibility in schedule to meet participant and employer needs.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with participants (ages 16+).
• Help individuals identify and pursue employment and/or educational goals.
• Develop relationships with local employers and businesses to create opportunities.
• Provide job development, job placement, and ongoing support.
• Spend 65%+ of time in the community meeting with participants and employers.
• Coordinate services with mental health providers, DVR, and support teams.
• Educate participants on how employment may impact benefits (SSI, Medicaid, etc.).
• Support participants through challenges with timely, individualized interventions.
• Maintain accurate documentation, billing, and program data.
• Conduct consistent employer outreach (minimum 6 in-person contacts weekly).

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Independence

Flexibility

Driving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree REQUIRED in Human Services, Social Work, or related field

Job description

IPS Specialist (Individual Placement & Support)

Full-Time | Sheboygan, WI
$24+/hour (based on experience & education)

Turn recovery into real-world success. Help people build careers—and rebuild their lives.

At RCS Empowers, we believe employment is a critical part of recovery. As an IPS Specialist, you’ll work directly with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges, helping them find and maintain meaningful employment or education aligned with their goals.

This is a professional, community-based role grounded in evidence-based practice. You’ll spend the majority of your time out in the community—connecting with participants, building relationships with local employers, and helping people take powerful steps forward in their lives.

What You’ll Do

You’ll guide individuals through every stage of your employment journey using the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model.

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with participants (ages 16+)
• Help individuals identify and pursue employment and/or educational goals
• Develop relationships with local employers and businesses to create opportunities
• Provide job development, job placement, and ongoing support
• Spend 65%+ of your time in the community meeting with participants and employers
• Coordinate services with mental health providers, DVR, and support teams
• Educate participants on how employment may impact benefits (SSI, Medicaid, etc.)
• Support participants through challenges with timely, individualized interventions
• Maintain accurate documentation, billing, and program data
• Conduct consistent employer outreach (minimum 6 in-person contacts weekly)

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s Degree REQUIRED in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field
• Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, community-based role
• Knowledge of local business community (preferred)
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and good driving record
• Flexibility in schedule to meet participant and employer needs

Why Join RCS Empowers?

• $24+/hour starting pay
• A professional, career-building role in behavioral health and vocational services
• Work within an evidence-based IPS model with real, measurable impact
• High level of independence and community engagement
• Opportunity to change lives in a tangible, lasting way
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Classification: Non-Exempt
• Reports To: IPS Manager

RCS Empowers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer functioning under an Affiant.