IPS Employment Specialist

Position Overview

The IPS Employment Specialist supports clients enrolled in the Adult ACT programs to secure supported employment opportunities within the communities of their choosing. The IPS Employment Specialist is utilized to implement the evidence‑based practice of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). The coordinator is responsible for building strong community relationships with potential employers in the community to link our clients to the supports needed to achieve their goal of employment.

• Responsible for program development and quality improvement efforts.
• Communicate and educate participants, families, colleagues and community partners about the principles and procedures of supported employment. Have awareness of benefits advisement.
• Conduct initial and ongoing vocational assessments, identifying participant interests, strengths, skills, abilities, and unique set of challenges toward the goal of matching them with jobs.
• Assist participants in job development, job match, networking and job search activities directed toward positions that are consistent with their needs and interests.
• Help participants obtain competitive employment in integrated job settings.
• Provide individualized follow‑along services in the community to assist participants in sustaining employment.
• 65% of time will be spent in the community; develop jobs in the community; reach out to and engage potential employers.
• Provide education and support to employers, as agreed upon by the participant, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow‑along contact with the employer.
• Provide services to participants individually.
• Provide outreach services as necessary to participants when they appear to disengage from services.
• Collaborate with the ACT service delivery team to coordinate and integrate vocational services into recovery and rehabilitation services.
• Complete all necessary paperwork in My Avatar, NYESS and all other required systems.
• Track and analyze supported employment outcomes.
• Participate in external and inter‑agency initiatives and programs.
• Provide reports and documentation as required by JB and external regulatory agencies.
• Complete internal and external trainings as required; participate in daily team meetings and supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED or TASC).
• 6 months personal or professional experience in human services.
• Able to travel independently or with reasonable accommodation.

• General knowledge in job development, job marketing and job securing is strongly desired.
• Experience working with adults living with mental illness is preferred.
• Basic understanding of benefits and entitlements.
• Basic understanding of work incentive programs.

• Experience working with electronic medical records.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook); comfortable and proficient using audio‑video platforms (Teams).

• Able to read data and documents, including spreadsheets, reports and Electronic Health Records in printed form and on computer screens.
• Able to input data into the Electronic Health Record.
• Limited applications of manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination.

• Regularly required to speak clearly and hear the spoken word well.
• Regularly required to physically operate routine office equipment such as telephones, computers, etc.
• Regularly required to utilize near vision ability and to read data and documents, including spreadsheets, reports and Electronic Health Records in printed form and on computer screens.
• Regularly required to travel to various locations to meet with clients.

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.