Supported Employment Specialist, IPS & CCS

St. Charles Inc • West Allis, WI

83d

About The Position

Supported Employment Specialists assist consumers with diagnosed mental health and substance needs in obtaining and sustaining employment and education options consistent with their vocational goals and recovery. The role builds trusting, collaborative relationships focused on competitive employment in integrated job settings. It manages a caseload and coordinates with mental health, care coordination, and treatment providers to implement comprehensive plans that support consumers’ independence through education and employment.

The specialist delivers services using Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and other employment models, supports job development and searches, provides individualized follow-along services, and offers education and support to employers. The role coordinates vocational services with treatment teams, develops and updates individual employment and education plans, and spends and documents at least 65 percent of direct service time in the community. It also maintains consumer records and databases, completes required documentation and reports, and represents St. Charles and its IPS programming professionally.

Work takes place in a typical office environment, training area, job sites, and the community. Local travel is required as necessary to fulfill key staff responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Counseling, or a related field.
• Knowledge of individual and family issues and dynamics.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in evidence-based practices, such as IPS and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to collaborate with family members, the community, other service providers, and workforce development partners.
• Ability to work independently and conduct oneself ethically.
• Ability to maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, people receiving services, and external persons and agencies involved in service provision.
• Ability to respond respectfully and sensitively to people of all cultures, socioeconomic characteristics, races, ethnicities, religions, and other diversity factors.
• Good computer skills, accurate documentation skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of substance use issues and mental health needs.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare quality reports.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and proof of liability insurance.
• Ability to use vehicles for work-related duties according to the agency’s insurance requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least one year of experience with vocational services in a mental health and/or social services-related setting is desired.
• Bilingual ability and/or ability to communicate in other languages is preferred but not required.
• Certification and familiarity with delivering services using the IPS model preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow all Individual Placement & Support (IPS) principles and procedures.
• Adhere to program funding-source requirements, including CCS and DVR, and assess consumers’ vocational functioning on an ongoing basis.
• Deliver services using the IPS model and other employment models.
• Assist consumers with job development and job-search activities directed toward positions consistent with their needs and interests.
• Provide individualized follow-along services to help consumers sustain employment.
• Provide education and support to employers, including negotiating job accommodations and maintaining follow-along contact with employers.
• Provide outreach and support to consumers who appear to disengage from program services.
• Meet regularly with treatment team members to coordinate and integrate vocational services into consumers’ treatment plans.
• Create and update individual employment and education plans with consumers, care coordinators, case managers, and other treatment team providers.
• Spend and document at least 65 percent of direct service time in the community engaging and supporting consumers, natural supports, and employers, as determined by the IPS model.
• Participate in IPS training and collaborative groups to maintain model fidelity.
• Use IPS training tools to provide basic training to key stakeholders.
• Market and represent St. Charles and IPS programming in a positive and professional manner.
• Work with consumers’ treatment teams to establish measurable outcomes and identify ways to reduce system or employment barriers.
• Build connections with business leaders, employers, and educators.
• Maintain files and electronic databases that reflect consumers’ current status.
• Complete client data, performance reports, and other required documentation.
• Produce and/or approve reports for funding sources as designated.
• Know and adhere to applicable internal and external guidelines, including agency policies and procedures, child labor law, and work-study rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time