IPS Employment Specialist

Volunteers of America of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

About The Position

The IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Specialist works with transition-age youth (TAY), ages 18–24, with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) 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 to help them achieve vocational goals. VOA Alaska provides prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families affected by mental illness and addiction, guided by the values of connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy. The position uses Transition to Independence Process (TIP) and IPS evidence-based practices. It works primarily in the community to connect clients with competitive employment, training, education, and other supports. The specialist provides employment development and ongoing job support, coordinates vocational services with behavioral health and vocational rehabilitation providers, and contributes to multidisciplinary treatment planning. At least 65% of scheduled work hours are spent in the community, and the role carries at least 15 hours of direct clinical care weekly. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt, and reports 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 collaboratively 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 if required.
Must have a personal vehicle for driving clients and proof of 100/300 insurance coverage.
Must be insurable under VOA Alaska corporate liability insurance, including approval to drive clients in personal or agency vehicles, and able to use a personal vehicle for business.
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 the human services, behavioral health, or business field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Engage assigned youth through relationship development, person-centered planning, a strength-based approach, and futures planning.
Implement TIP and IPS evidence-based practices.
Work primarily in the community to connect clients with competitive employment, training, schooling, and supports for self-sufficiency.
Assess clients’ work skills and interests using background information and work experience.
Communicate clients’ preferences regarding disclosure of mental health status to employers.
Help clients explore jobs and careers through employer and worker meetings, academic advising, workplace observation, and job fairs.
Develop job opportunities and conduct individualized job-search activities; make an average of six employer contacts per week to learn business needs, explain program support, and share relevant client strengths.
Provide regular, ongoing support to help clients maintain employment; develop and modify job-support plans with clients and, with permission, input from family, natural supports, and the VOA Supportive Housing team.
Educate and support employers as agreed with clients and negotiate job accommodations.
Conduct outreach when clients appear to disengage from services.
Coordinate vocational and behavioral health services through weekly Supportive Housing team meetings, communication with team members, and regular coordination with Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors.
Meet assigned job-start or caseload employment-maintenance expectations.
Develop 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 in community settings and helping them pursue applications, GED programs, colleges, and other services.
Educate clients about education and vocational training opportunities and assist with financial aid, loan obligations, scholarships, and obtaining tools, equipment, and computers.
Support personal choice, social responsibility, 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.
Protect client confidentiality and information in accordance with 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
Provide at least 15 hours of direct clinical care weekly and demonstrate TIP, motivational interviewing, and counseling skills.
Encourage reluctant or resistant clients and family members to remain in the program and build motivation.
Conduct utilization reviews to ensure IPS services meet client needs.
Communicate patient care, clinical data, and treatment information effectively to Supportive Housing team members.
Provide services including case management, intensive case management, community recovery support services, screening/survey, 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 care quality and compliance.
Complete assigned duties within timelines established by the immediate supervisor and perform other duties as assigned.