Individual Placement And Support Employment Specialist

The AIM Center•Chattanooga, TN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The IPS Employment Specialist promotes recovery within a Clubhouse environment by fostering relationships with Members and delivering services of the IPS Supported Employment program. This role partners with individuals living with mental illness to identify supports, settings, and circumstances that enhance success and stability in employment. The Specialist assists with individualized job searches, hiring, and training while collaborating with employers, mental health providers, family members, housing supports, benefits counseling, transportation, and state vocational services. In addition, this role provides support for educational and technical training that supports career advancement. All AIM Center staff serve as Clubhouse Generalists in addition to their primary role. This means: Actively engaging Members in all aspects of the Work-Ordered Day (WOD). Participating in community meetings, unit meetings, employment dinners, and Clubhouse social programming (including evenings, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis). Supporting integration of Members into Clubhouse housing, employment, education, and social opportunities. Modeling partnership and shared responsibility by working side-by-side with Members in meaningful work. Promoting recovery, belonging, and empowerment consistent with the Clubhouse International Standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related human services field.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with individuals with severe mental illness.
Pass a pre-employment background check.
Valid Tennessee driver’s license.
Ability to obtain an F-Endorsement within 14 days of hire (Tennessee Residents only).
Three-year clean MVR; no DUI/DWI.
Reliable transportation and automobile liability insurance.
Ability to read, write, and understand verbal and written instructions.
Successfully complete and maintain all training, including online Relias Learning courses.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing employment services and knowledge of the work world preferred.
Ability to work as an effective team member is essential.
Commitment to recovery-oriented, strengths-based approaches.
Ability to work independently in the community while collaborating effectively with staff, Members, and partners.
Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences.
Professionalism, competence, and ethical conduct in interactions with Members, staff, employers, and community partners.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with ability to meet deadlines.
Comfort working in shared office environments with frequent distractions.
Ability to give and receive feedback constructively.

Responsibilities

Completes training in and actively carries out evidence-based supported employment services using the Individualized Placement Services (IPS) model.
Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community, meeting clients at homes, workplaces, coffee shops, libraries, One-Stop offices, VR offices, and schools; assisting with job applications; and accompanying clients to GED programs, colleges, and career fairs.
Engages Members/IPS clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward competitive employment in integrated community job settings.
Develops individualized employment and/or education plans with client input, incorporating feedback from mental health teams and family members (with permission).
Assesses clients’ vocational skills and preferences on an ongoing basis, using work history, background information, and real-world experiences.
Provides clients with individualized information about how benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) will be affected by employment and assists with reporting earnings; refers to benefits counseling as needed.
Supports clients in exploring career interests by arranging job shadowing (one day or less), connecting with academic advisors, facilitating informational interviews, and attending job fairs.
Conducts job development and job search activities aligned with client interests, following IPS principles and fidelity standards.
Proactively develops relationships with employers, averaging six employer contacts per week, and builds understanding of business hiring practices and preferences.
Matches Members to jobs that align with their strengths, preferences, and career goals.
Participates in meetings with VR counselors, employers, instructors, and family members to support employment and educational goals.
Provides supported education services using principles consistent with supported employment.
Offers follow-along support to employed clients based on need.
Ensures compliance with Department of Vocational Rehabilitation agreements and reporting.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation in AWARDS and paper files (Career Profiles, Job Search Plans, Job Support Plans, Job Start/End Forms, Progress Notes, etc.).
Tracks and compiles employment data for reporting to TDHS/DRS and TDMHSAS.
Attends weekly IPS staff meetings and shares client recovery success stories.
Creates and displays employment opportunities and motivational materials.
Co-leads employment-related skill-building activities such as Wrap-for-Work.
Participates in community job fairs and disability awareness events.
Provides transportation to Members as needed using organizational or personal vehicles.
Advocates for member rights, community opportunities, and ADA compliance.
Collaborates with staff, Members, and community partners to ensure diverse perspectives inform program delivery.
Engages in ongoing cultural competency development through training, workshops, and events.
Completes all required IPS training and maintains knowledge of fidelity standards.
Other duties as assigned.