IPS Employment Specialist

Park Center Inc. • Nashville, TN

94d • $25

About The Position

The IPS Employment Specialist works directly with members to find competitive employment and exhibits a strong commitment and passion to making competitive employment an attainable goal for all members of Park Center. The Employment Specialist implements the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment, the most researched and best described model of supported employment. IPS promotes a “recovery through work” philosophy whereby members diagnosed with mental illness (and both mental illness and substance misuse) achieve competitive, integrated employment when assisted with ongoing support services. Employment Specialists receive specific IPS training and work towards partnering with up to 20 Park Center members at any given time to conduct a rapid job search and development approach with each member (instead of providing lengthy pre-employment assessment, training, and counseling). Employment specialists also provide time-unlimited and individualized support for as long as the member wants and needs the support. This position will cover Montgomery, Robertson, and Cheatham counties.

Requirements

• Prefer bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in social work, sociology, vocational rehabilitation, or other related field.
• People who have lived experience of psychiatric diagnosis, addiction, homelessness, and/or trauma are encouraged to apply.
• Prefer at least one year of experience in a vocational/employment program in a mental health or social service setting.
• Experience working in employment with populations with complex needs.
• Must complete the 10 weeks IPS Practitioner Course certification within the first six months of being in the position.
• Must receive certificate for Vocational Rehabilitation new hire orientation within the first six months.
• Must complete IPS basic training to receive IPS certificate through the IPS Statewide Trainers.
• Must complete intake with new members.
• Obtain and assess medical records and review DLA for Vocational Rehabilitation purposes.
• Eager to learn and committed to customer service.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and incorporate feedback into practices.
• Focus on project executions and team performance.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to show proof of personal automobile insurance.
• Must be insurable under Park Center's automobile insurance.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Intentional Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment with high fidelity to the IPS model.
• Actively implement and communicate the eight evidence base principles of IPS to engage Park Center members in job search, job development, and ongoing support.
• Exhibit a command of the IPS fidelity scale and use it to assess performance and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Act as an agent of hope believing that members want to work and can work.
• Collaborate with external mental health treatment teams to help integrate IPS in mental health services.
• Build an employer network with the IPS team by making systematic contacts with local employers.
• Partner with the Social Security Administration and local organizations that provide benefits counseling.
• Complete intake and required documentation upon intake.
• Conduct motivational interviewing with members to assist with preparing for employment.
• Communicate passionately about how competitive employment is an attainable goal for people diagnosed with mental illness.
• Identify and remove barriers for participating in the IPS program.
• Meet with staff of other Park Center programs to connect members to IPS services more effectively.
• Build and maintain relationships with IPS community stakeholders.
• Manage time efficiently and spend 65% of time in the community engaging members.
• Attend all necessary staff meetings and training courses.
• Participate in member activities whenever possible.
• Collaborate with staff, members, and the community to gain diverse perspectives.

Benefits

• Non-Exempt / $25.64 per hour
• Hybrid work location

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees