Employment & Community Transition Specialist

PRAIRIE VIEW INC•Newton, KS

About The Position

We believe that meaningful employment is a cornerstone of recovery and independence. As an Employment & Community Transition Specialist, you won’t just be managing a caseload; you will be a bridge-builder. You will work specifically with individuals navigating mental health challenges, vocational objectives, educational objectives, addiction recovery, and overcoming homelessness, helping them secure competitive employment that fundamentally improves their quality of life. This is a Fidelity-Based Practice using the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model. We are looking for a proactive professional who thrives on outcomes and enjoys representing our agency to the broader Kansas business community.

Requirements

Experienced: You have a solid background in mental health, addictions, housing or social services. The ideal candidate should have previous experience in delivering person centered care through mental health social services; we need someone who understands the nuances of serious mental illness and homelessness.
Personable & Persuasive: You have a "business-like" mentality when talking to employers but a "person-centered" heart when working with clients.
Outcome-Driven: You enjoy seeing tangible results and are comfortable being held to high standards of practice.
Tech-Savvy: You’re proficient with Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint) and comfortable learning Electronic Health Records (EHR).
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Education, or a related field. (We highly value relevant field experience and will consider it alongside educational background).

Nice To Haves

Certifications: SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) certification or experience as a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Benefits Counselor is a major plus.
Knowledge: Familiarity with KansasWorks, Fidelity Based Practices, or community-based resources in the Wichita/Newton area is preferred.
Spirit: A willingness to adapt, learn, and "do what it takes" to help our clients succeed.

Responsibilities

Business Engagement & Networking: Act as a brand ambassador. You’ll spend significant time in the community, developing partnerships with area employers to create job opportunities for the individuals we serve.
Specialized Case Management: Manage a focused caseload of 20–25 individuals. You’ll help them overcome specific barriers to employment—from navigating social security benefits to finding housing and stable food sources.
Fidelity & Outcomes: Follow evidence-based curriculums to ensure our program meets high-performance standards. You’ll track progress using Excel, PowerPoint, program specific fidelity paperwork and our Electronic Health Record (Avatar).
Advocacy: Represent the agency at the local and statewide level, participating in IPS focus groups, stakeholder meetings, team meetings and ensuring our patients have a voice in the local labor market.
Holistic Support: Provide crisis intervention and assertive outreach. If a client has a specific worry, crisis, or initiative, you are the person who knows how to pivot and solve that immediate crisis while keeping the long-term goal of employment in sight.