IPS Employment Specialist (Clubhouse Counselor)

Vinfen•Lawrence, MA

1d•$24 - $24

About The Position

As a Clubhouse IPS Employment Specialist, help members obtain and retain employment consistent with their goals using the evidence-based practice Individual Placement and Support (IPS) supported employment model and practices. Function as a member of the Clubhouse Team to ensure integration of employment goals for members in their Clubhouse Action Plan. Provide members and other Clubhouse staff with information and expertise about IPS supported employment. Help club members and staff think about employment for people who haven't yet been referred to supported employment services. Provide individual and group support to the members of the Clubhouse.

Requirements

Strong commitments to the right and ability of people served by Clubhouse to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and supports needed in their community of choice
Extensive knowledge of types of supported employment and how to explore and identify employment opportunities in an unfamiliar community
Skill in helping people integrate into the community through use of natural supports and basic community resources, such as public transportation
Skill in developing a person’s decision-making, assertiveness, and self-advocacy skills to help him/her request and obtain work and services on his/her own
Knowledge of the effects of prejudice (including internalized negative attitudes about oneself), discrimination, and oppression of people with psychiatric disorders, and the effects of poverty
Knowledge of A Working Life for People with Severe Mental Illness (by Deborah Becker & Robert Drake) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Supported Employment Implementation Resource Manual
Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation values, principles, and techniques
Knowledge of formal and informal assessment skills and practices
Knowledge and use of different learning and communication styles
Knowledge of teaching, participatory and collaborative planning techniques
Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered and strengths-based values and principles and modalities
Knowledge of motivational interviewing, stage of change, and harm reduction techniques
Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent services
Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues
Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community and other resources
Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with ACCS members
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy principles and techniques
Excellent organizational and writing skills
Ability to balance competing priorities
Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
Experience working with people with serious mental illness, experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world preferred.
Ability to work as an effective team player required.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
NET required
IPS Supported Employment Practitioner Skills Course

Nice To Haves

Sales experience helpful.
Bachelor’s degree in mental health, social services, or business. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Responsibilities

Maintain a Clubhouse advisor caseload comprised solely of members who have been referred for IPS Supported Employment services. Partner with members and Clubhouse staff to assess, develop, and implement Action Plans focused on individual employment goals.
Communicate and reinforce the Clubhouse culture and philosophy to the membership as well as other involved providers, community resources, and employer partners. In partnership with membership and staff develop, implement, and support all Clubhouse policies and procedures.
Promote a supportive and empowering service environment in which members learn to advocate for themselves, make their own choices, take risks, and assume additional responsibilities.
Engage members in the Clubhouse and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers without psychiatric conditions.
Collaborate with local CWIC services to assist members in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment so that members make financially-informed decisions about employment opportunities. Help members to access benefits and work incentive’ counseling when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
Assess members' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis using background information and prior work experiences. Complete career profile for each new member with information from the member, other service providers, and with permission, family members and/or past employers. Update the member’s profile after each job start and job stop.
With the member’s permission, provide education and support to family members about work and gather input about skills, interests, strengths of the member, and ideas for support.
Conduct job development and job search activities individualized to the preferences of each member, following the principles and practices of IPS supported employment model.
Review member’s preference regarding disclosure of psychiatric status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specifics to be disclosed. Provide assistance with job search regardless of member’s preferences regarding disclosure (i.e., provides support without employer contact when member chooses not to disclose).
Make a minimum of six employer contacts each week to learn about local businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific members who are looking for work and/or to talk about supports offered by the IPS program to employers.
Support members by making employer contacts, on behalf of or with members, to gain information about jobs and/or to apply for jobs within 30 days of IPS service entry.
Collaborate with Clubhouse staff and members to provide individualized follow-along supports to assist each member in maintaining employment. Provide frequent face-to-face supports during the first month of a new job and at least monthly after following the desires of the member.
Provide education and support to employer as agreed upon by member, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with the employer.
Provide outreach services as necessary to members when they appear to disengage from the Club.
Collaborate with Clubhouse members and staff to provide support for career development and supported education.
Liaison with a member’s mental health team if desired by member. Work with local MRC and career service providers to discuss shared members’ access to services.
Create a helping environment in which family, friends, and others important in the lives of members are welcome, respected, and valued.
Maintain program records for members to meet the standards set forward by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for Clubhouse documentation. Support Clubhouse members in documenting progress on their Action Plan if they choose to do so.
Perform other related duties, as required.