IPS Employment Specialist

Volunteers of America of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

3d•$22 - $29

About The Position

The IPS Employment Specialist works with transition-age youth ages 18–24 with Severe Mental Illness to support greater self-sufficiency and achievement of personal goals, including obtaining and maintaining employment. The specialist engages referred youth in individualized, person-centered futures planning and uses a strength-based approach to help them pursue vocational goals. The role implements the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) and IPS evidence-based practices. It works primarily in the community, connecting clients to competitive employment, education, training, and resources. The specialist coordinates vocational services with behavioral health and supportive housing providers, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, families, and other natural supports, with client permission. At least 65% of scheduled work hours are spent in the community, and the specialist provides at least 15 hours of direct clinical care per week. The position also provides case management and related clinical services, maintains required documentation and client confidentiality, and participates as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. It is a non-exempt, full-time position of 40 hours per week, reporting to the Program Manager - TAY Outpatient.

Requirements

Education in human services, behavioral health, or business, or at least two years of work experience with people experiencing Severe Mental Illness, substance use, and/or behavioral disorders.
Experience providing employment services.
Ability to work with diverse community groups, with a focus on LGBTQ+ people and people of color, including Alaska Native people; knowledge of their values and belief systems and ability to provide culturally relevant services.
Ability to make sound decisions based on available information.
Ability to work effectively as a team member.
Excellent writing and communication skills.
Ability to work flexible hours on occasion, including days, evenings, and some weekends.
Ability to travel when required.
Must have own vehicle for driving clients and proof of insurance of 100/300.
Must be insurable under VOA Alaska corporate liability insurance and approved to drive clients in personal or agency vehicles.
Ability to drive a personal vehicle for business use.
Must provide current credentials or be willing to work toward certification requirements and obtain QAP within three years of hire.

Nice To Haves

Education in human services, behavioral health, or business is preferred.

Responsibilities

Engage assigned youth through relationship development, person-centered planning, and strength-based futures planning.
Implement TIP and IPS evidence-based practices to support positive outcomes.
Connect clients in the community to competitive employment, training, schooling, and resources that promote self-sufficiency.
Assess clients’ work skills and interests using background information and work experience, and communicate clients’ preferences regarding disclosure of mental health status to employers.
Support clients in exploring careers through employer and worker meetings, academic advising, workplace observation, and job fairs.
Conduct individualized job development and job search activities based on each client’s interests and strengths.
Make an average of six employer contacts per week to learn about business needs, explain VOA IPS program support, and share relevant client strengths.
Provide ongoing employment support and develop and adjust job support plans with clients, incorporating family, natural supports, and the VOA Supportive Housing team as appropriate.
Educate and support employers as agreed with clients, negotiate job accommodations, and conduct outreach when clients appear to disengage.
Coordinate vocational and behavioral health services through weekly Supportive Housing team meetings and ongoing communication with team members.
Coordinate services with Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and assist clients between meetings.
Work toward required annual job starts or maintaining the specified percentage of employment on the caseload.
Develop individual employment and/or education plans with clients, incorporating team and natural-support input with client permission.
Spend at least 65% of scheduled work hours in the community, meeting clients and helping them pursue applications, GED programs, colleges, and other resources.
Educate clients about education and vocational training opportunities and help with financial aid, loan obligations, scholarships, tools, equipment, and computers.
Promote personal choice and social responsibility, and facilitate problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Participate in initial and ongoing training.
Complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency policies, Medicaid regulations, CARF standards, and Division of Behavioral Health grant conditions.
Maintain client confidentiality and safeguard information under 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
Provide at least 15 hours of direct clinical care weekly, demonstrating TIP, motivational interviewing, and counseling skills; encouraging reluctant clients or family members to remain engaged; and conducting utilization reviews.
Communicate patient care, clinical information, and treatment matters to the Supportive Housing team.
Provide services including case management, intensive case management, community recovery support services, screening and surveys, employment assessment, treatment plan development and review, and crisis stabilization.
Participate as a full member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and collaborate to ensure services align with youth assessments and treatment plans.
Review assigned staff’s critical incidents, treatment plans, staffing summaries, and assessments for quality and compliance.
Complete assigned duties within timelines established by the immediate supervisor and perform other duties as assigned.