INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND PLACEMENT SPECIALIST

Apis Services Inc•New Orleans, LA

5d•$0 - $19•Hybrid

About The Position

Resources for Human Development (RHD) is seeking a compassionate, motivated Individual Support and Placement Specialist to join their Louisiana Metropolitan ACT team. This role focuses on helping individuals identify their employment and educational goals, connect with community opportunities, and build the necessary skills and supports for success. The Louisiana Metropolitan ACT program provides community-based behavioral health services through a multidisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment team. The Individual Support and Placement Specialist will help participants pursue meaningful employment, education, and vocational opportunities aligned with their interests, strengths, preferences, and goals.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, business, or a related area.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals living with serious mental illness.
Experience providing employment or vocational services.
Knowledge of employment practices and the local workforce.

Responsibilities

Build trusting, collaborative relationships with participants focused on achieving competitive employment.
Assess participants' vocational skills, interests, strengths, and preferences on an ongoing basis.
Help participants explore different jobs and careers based on their individual interests.
Conduct individualized job development and job search activities.
Develop relationships with local employers and learn about their workforce needs.
Assist participants with following up on employment opportunities and job applications.
Provide ongoing individualized support to help participants maintain successful employment.
Develop employment support plans based on each participant's needs, goals, and preferences.
Build relationships with employers throughout the community.
Educate employers about available program supports when appropriate and agreed upon by the participant.
Assist with workplace accommodations and employment supports when needed.
Conduct regular employer contacts to identify employment opportunities and understand business needs.
Provide outreach to participants who may be disengaging from employment services.
Help participants explore education and vocational training programs that align with their interests and abilities.
Assist participants in navigating college, certificate, GED, and other educational opportunities.
Help individuals access financial aid, scholarships, educational resources, supplies, and other supports.
Assist participants with planning and managing school schedules, assignments, exams, and important deadlines.
Collaborate with educational and disability support services when needed.
Help participants understand how employment may impact benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
Connect individuals with benefits counseling and other appropriate resources.
Assist participants with reporting earnings when needed.
Coordinate employment and educational services with other members of the behavioral health treatment team.
Participate in team meetings and collaborate with ACT team members to integrate employment and educational goals into overall treatment and recovery planning.
Coordinate with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and other community partners.
Develop individualized employment and/or education plans with participants.
Provide services in community settings, including participants' homes, workplaces, libraries, educational settings, and other community locations.