Vocational Program Specialist

The Independence Center•Waukegan, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Independence Center is seeking a motivated and compassionate Vocational Specialist to help adults living with serious mental illness achieve meaningful employment and educational goals. This position uses Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles to provide individualized job development, employment support, career planning, and supported education services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, rehabilitation, counseling, human services, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Strong communication, organization, engagement, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work independently, manage changing priorities, and collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Comfortable working in community settings and engaging employers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel throughout the service area.
Ability to meet the documentation and service requirements of a community-based behavioral health program.
A bachelor's degree in a human service field from an accredited institution is required.
Must be self-motivated, organized, and comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Must be a collaborative, solution-focused team player to help facilitate safe patient outcomes and contribute to institutional goals.
Previous clinical work experience in a health care setting of at least one year, acute care hospital setting preferred.
Previous Substance use disorder experience in a health care setting of at least one year.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting individuals with serious mental illness, substance-use conditions, or medically complex needs is preferred.
Job development/ recruitment experience preferred.
acute care hospital setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop individualized employment plans based on each participant’s interests, strengths, abilities, and career goals.
Provide job-search assistance, including completing applications, preparing résumés, practicing interviews, and contacting employers.
Build relationships with local businesses and complete at least six employer contacts each week.
Spend at least 50% of scheduled work hours in the community meeting with participants, employers, and community partners.
Achieve a minimum of 15 participant job starts annually after the first year of employment.
Provide job coaching, workplace support, retention services, and assistance requesting accommodations, raises, or promotions.
Offer individualized follow-along support, including frequent in-person contact during the first month of employment and continued support based on participant preferences.
Help participants understand how employment may affect Social Security and other public benefits.
Provide supported education services for participants interested in training, certification, or educational programs.
Coordinate services and referrals with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services and other community partners.
Complete assessments, treatment plans, safety and discharge plans, progress notes, service documentation, and required reports.
Provide case management, skills training, crisis intervention, transition planning, and other direct services when needed.
Participate in weekly clinical team meetings and collaborate with other providers to support participant goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.