IPS Specialist - Sheboygan, United States - RCS Empowers, Inc.

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: IPS Specialist


CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt





QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's or Bachelor's Degree is required in a Human Service, Social Work or related field. Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, and/or drug and alcohol addiction providing vocational services and supports.

Knowledge of and relationships within the local business community is strongly preferred. A flexible schedule is required. Must have a good driving record, valid Wisconsin driver's license, vehicle, and required level of personal auto insurance. Must be authorized for coverage under agency insurance if operating an agency vehicle.





REPORTING SUPERVISOR:
Individual Placement & Support/FORWARDS Programs Manager


GENERAL DUTIES: Employment Specialists engage participants, ages 16 and older with diagnosed mental health and/or AODA needs, to assist with obtaining and maintaining employment and/or education that is consistent with their vocational goals and CCS recovery plans.


SPECIFIC DUTIES:

*Builds effective relationships with, and develops a network of, employers willing and able to hire adults and/or youth with mental health diagnosis and/or substance abuse.

*Completes referral, admissions, and assessment process for participants referred to the program.

*Assist participants in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g. Social Security, Medicaid, etc.) and how they might be impacted by employment in order for the participant to make informed decisions regarding employment opportunities.

*Engages participants and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment or education in community settings.

*Using evidence-based practice models in Individualized Placement and Support, helps participants think about short/long-term employment and or educational goals, work history, strengths, personal culture (as defined by each person), justice involvement, and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal.

*Conducts all phases of service delivery such as intake, job development, ongoing support and transition until case closure following evidence-based practice principles of IPS.

*Discusses and honors Participants preference for disclosure of psychiatric or substance abuse status to employers. Provides assistance with the job search regardless of Participants preferences regarding disclosure.

*Develops an individual employment plan with the Participant and with input from the mental health practitioner, other treatment team providers and family members.

*Spends 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meets with clients in community settings and develops relationships with managers at their businesses.

*Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the Participants on the caseload (up to 20 consumers), following the practice principles of IPS.

*Provide outreach services as necessary to participants when they appear to disengage from services utilizing a variety of methods.

*Provide timely interventions to participants and employers.

*Facilitates at least six in-person employer contacts weekly to learn about businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific Participants who are looking for work and/or to talk about employer services offered by the IPS program.

*Completes and maintains all related documentation including; daily case noting, program evaluation data, monthly progress reports, employer contact logs, weekly billing, as well as any additional required documentation.

*Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.

*Achieves monthly productivity standards set by the IPS Manager.

*Stays abreast of employment trends and initiatives related to mental health, substance abuse and IPS model to ensure quality and fidelity of the program.

*Make referrals to and participate in vocational meetings with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Counselors at least once per month to coordinate services and maximize braided funding.

*Carry out vocational services that are authorized by DVR, as outlined in the Technical Specifications, and complete correlating reports in a timely manner.

*Responsible for 100% time reporting by completing case noting consistent with CCS requirements and timeframes set forth by Sheboygan County Health & Human Services.

*Assume additional duties as directed by Individual Placement & Support/FORWARDS Programs Manager.

RCS Empowers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan.