Supported Employment Specialist, Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

CNS Healthcare • Novi, MI

4d • $40,000 - $56,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

CNS Healthcare is seeking a Supported Employment Specialist to provide community-based services under the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. The role helps people living with mental or behavioral health conditions obtain and maintain competitive employment in line with their individual vocational goals, providing all phases of employment services, including engagement, assessment, job placement, job coaching, and follow-along support. The position is primarily community-based, with some opportunities for remote work.

The specialist works with individuals to identify employment goals, develop and pursue individualized job opportunities, and sustain employment. The role also involves building relationships with employers, coordinating care and referrals, providing education and support to individuals and—when agreed to by the individual—employers and family members, and supporting people who want to advance their education. The specialist is responsible for documentation, productivity standards, required training, quality and regulatory compliance, and professional development. Transportation may be provided to individuals served as needed.

CNS Healthcare is a nonprofit Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic with seven clinics and two clubhouses in Southeastern Michigan. It employs approximately 400 people and delivers services to more than 7,000 people annually.

Requirements

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or another Human Services field.
• Specialized training—including relevant fieldwork or internships involving direct work with people receiving mental health services—or one year of experience treating and working with a person who has mental illness.
• Qualified Mental Health Professional qualification.
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
• Access to transportation or an automobile, with current vehicle insurance meeting agency policy requirements.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, and Excel, and electronic health records.
• Ability to contribute to an inclusive environment that values people regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
• Ability to work closely with people with mental or physical limitations.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate and build positive working relationships.
• Ability to exercise discretion and judgment when handling sensitive or confidential matters.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing employment services to individuals with serious mental illness.
• Applicable rehabilitation license and/or employment training specialist certification.
• Experience in a community mental health setting.

Responsibilities

• Help individuals secure and maintain competitive employment in accordance with their vocational goals.
• Ensure compliance with IPS fidelity standards, provider contracts, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Medical Manual.
• Engage individuals to assess their needs and establish employment goals aligned with their vocational goals.
• Educate individuals about the impact of obtaining employment.
• Conduct individualized job development and job-search activities, primarily in the community.
• Build relationships with community employers and identify or facilitate employment opportunities.
• Provide ongoing individualized follow-along support to help individuals maintain employment.
• Discuss individuals’ preferences about disclosing mental or behavioral health conditions to employers.
• With the individual’s agreement, educate and support employers, including through job negotiation, accommodations, and follow-along contact.
• With the individual’s permission, educate and support family members and other supports regarding mental illness.
• Provide supported education to individuals interested in advancing their education to support employment goals.
• Conduct outreach when individuals appear to disengage from services.
• Coordinate care and refer individuals to ancillary supports, services, and resources, including benefits counseling.
• Participate in assigned internal and external meetings, including team meetings, caseload reviews, community partner meetings, and meetings with Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
• Complete required documentation accurately and in accordance with CNS policy.
• Meet direct-service productivity standards set by the agency and program.
• Provide transportation to individuals served as needed.
• Use a trauma-informed approach to services.
• Complete required CNS education, including evidence-based program training, internal training, and community education.
• Maintain compliance with quality initiatives and requirements, including Meaningful Use, MIPS, CARF, and CCBHC requirements.
• Apply CNS Healthcare service standards when interacting with individuals served, guests, and staff.
• Pursue professional growth through current reading and attendance at educational programs and conferences.
• Comply with policies and procedures, the corporate compliance program, code of ethics, applicable laws and regulations, HIPAA standards, and other regulatory programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance options.
• Employer-paid dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance.
• Retirement program with a company default contribution and matching.
• PTO program starting at 23 days annually.
• 16 paid holidays, including 3 floating holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Eligibility for student loan forgiveness programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and HRSA programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level