Supported Employment Specialist, Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

CNS Healthcare; Novi (MI); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

Retirement plan with match

PTO 23 days

Holidays 16

Paid parental leave

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

CNS Healthcare, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, seeks a Supported Employment Specialist to deliver IPS-based services in community settings across Michigan. The role emphasizes placement, coaching, and ongoing supports to help individuals achieve vocational goals.

You will engage with clients, collaborate with teams, and coordinate with MDHHS guidelines while supporting meaningful outcomes in employment and community integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a human services field.
• One year of experience in treating and working with persons with mental illness OR specialized fieldwork internships.
• Valid and unrestricted Driver’s License.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office; experience with electronic health records (EHRs).

Responsibilities

• Work with individuals served to assist them in securing and maintaining competitive employment.
• Ensure compliance with IPS fidelity standards, provider contracts, and MDHHS guidelines.
• Engage individuals to assess and create employment goals aligned with vocational goals.
• Provide education to individuals served on the impact of employment.
• Conduct job development and job search activities in community settings.
• Cultivate community relationships with employers to identify opportunities.
• Provide ongoing follow‑along supports to maintain employment.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Discretion

Interpersonal skills

Inclusive environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work / Sociology / Counseling / Psychology / Criminal Justice / Human Services

Tools

MS Office

EHRs

Job description

Job Details

Posting Details

• Posted on November 6, 2026

Locations

• Novi, MI 48375, USA
• Skilled
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: SUPPO003254

Description

What we are looking for:

As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, CNS Healthcare's mission is to serve the people of our communities. The Supported Employment Specialist provides community-based services under the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of evidence-based supported employment to help those who live with mental/behavioral health conditions obtain and maintain employment consistent with their specific vocational goals. They carry out all phases of employment service, including engagement, assessment, job placement, job coaching, and follow‑along supports.

Please note: This is primarily a community-based role, but it may provide some opportunities for remote work.

Compensation Range:

The starting pay for this position is $40,000 - $48,000 for unlicensed candidates, $40,800 - $52,000 for limited licensed candidates, and $42,500 - $56,000 annual salary for fully licensed candidates, and is based on non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

What’s in it for you:

As a member of our team, you will have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community and the lives of the individuals that we serve. CNS Healthcare provides a robust total rewards program to support our team members and their loved ones. We’ve shared some highlights below, but you can visit the benefits guide posted on our careers page to learn more!

• Comprehensive medical insurance options
• Employer-paid benefits including dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance
• Retirement program with generous company default contribution and match
• Generous PTO program starting at 23 days annually
• 16 paid holidays, including 3 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Student loan forgiveness eligibility, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), HRSA, and more

• Work with individuals served to assist them in securing and maintaining competitive employment in accordance with their specific vocational goals.
• Ensure the compliance and successful execution of all service line requirements as outlined in the IPS fidelity standards, provider contracts, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Medical Manual.
• Engage with individuals served to assess and create employment goals that align with their specific vocational goals.
• Provide education to individuals served on the impact of obtaining employment.
• Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on their caseload, following the principles and procedures of supported employment which include providing services primarily in the community.
• Cultivate job development in the community to build relationships with employers and identify/facilitate employment opportunities within their workforce.
• Support the individual’s vocational functioning on an ongoing basis including providing individualized follow‑along supports, utilizing background information, and work experiences with the goal of maintaining employment.
• Discuss the individual’s preference for disclosure of mental/behavioral health conditions to employers.
• Provide education and support to employers, as agreed upon by the person served, that may include job negotiation, accommodations, and follow‑along contact with the employer.
• With the individual’s permission, provide education and support to family members and supports related to mental illness.
• Provide supported education for individuals who express interest in advancing their education to support their employment goals.
• Provide outreach services to individuals when they appear to disengage from the service utilizing a variety of methods.
• Support coordination of care for assigned individuals, including referring individuals to other ancillary supports, services, and resources as appropriate including benefits counseling.
• Participate in internal and external meetings as assigned, including team meetings, caseload reviews, community partners, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services to discuss individuals served, employment goals, and employment opportunities.
• Complete all required documentation completely, accurately, and in accordance with CNS policy.
• Meet direct service productivity standards per agency and program expectations.
• May provide transportation to individuals served as needed.
• Utilize a trauma‑informed approach to services.
• Fulfills mandatory education requirements of CNS including evidence‑based programs, internal training, and community education.
• Maintain compliance with quality care initiatives including Meaningful Use (MU), Medicare Merit Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) requirements.
• Ensure that the CNS Healthcare standards of service are applied to interactions with individuals served, guests, and staff.
• Assume responsibility for professional growth by current reading and attendance at educational programs and conferences.
• Maintain knowledge and compliance with established policies and procedures, corporate compliance program, code of ethics, applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, HIPAA standards, and other regulatory programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• Qualified Mental Health Professional:
  • At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or other Human Services field.
  • Specialized training (including fieldwork and/or internships associated with the academic curriculum where the student works directly with persons receiving mental health services as part of that experience) OR one year of experience in treating and working with a person who has mental illness.
• Valid and unrestricted Driver’s License
• Transportation or Automobile accessibility with current automobile/vehicle insurance meeting agency policy requirements
• Proficient with computers, Microsoft office products (including Outlook, Word, and Excel), and electronic health records (EHRs).
• Ability to contribute to an inclusive environment that recognizes the value and contributions of all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
• Ability to work closely with persons with mental or physical limitations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and build positive working relationships.
• Ability to use discretion and judgment when handling matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.

Preferred

• Experience providing employment services to individuals with serios mental illness.
• Applicable license in rehabilitation and/or employment training specialist certification.
• Experience in the community mental health setting.

About CNS Healthcare:

CNS Healthcare (CNS) is a non-profit, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) with seven clinics and two clubhouses in southeastern Michigan. CNS employs approximately 400 employees, paraprofessionals, and support staff, delivering services to more than 7,000 people annually.

• CNS provides comprehensive integrated health services in partnership with several community organizations, and uses a patient‑centered approach to identify, support, and promote the overall health of children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
• Visit our website to learn more about our mission, vision, and values!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.