A staff member who, has lead responsibility to deliver the full range of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) interventions, including but not limited to: rapid job search for ACT participants, systematic job development and partnering with employers in the community, and job coaching interventions as needed. The IPS Employment Specialist in ACT should result in a network of employers and job opportunities, which can be shared with other rehabilitation programs within the provider agency. sharing knowledge and expertise, and integrating employment goals with services and tasks of team members.

Essential Accountabilities:

IPS Employment Specialists must spend at least 50% of their time off-site, in the community. This off-site time is inclusive of job development activities and direct service provision. In keeping with fidelity to the IPS model, the IPS Employment Specialists spend at least 65% of their time off-site, in the community. Develop an employer network. The IPS Employment Specialist must enroll and actively participate in the Center for Practice Innovation’s IPS Learning Collaborative. Participate in trainings and technical assistance related to IPS. IPS Employment Specialists, although working with the ACT team(s), shall solely do IPS related tasks. Complete assessments of the individual’s employment goals and needs. Enter clients interested in employment into the New York State Employment Services System (NYESS), and relevant information must be maintained as required. Assess the educational strengths, weaknesses and needs of program participants in order to ensure individualized service planning. Counsel program participants in individual and group settings in facilitating vocational development. Provide direct care vocational and educational services to individuals including vocational counseling, group facilitation, service plan development, report generation and progress noting. Develop employment resources, job leads, vocational curriculum and specific group activities. Network with businesses and Mental Health community to solicit leads and educate, community regarding available services (i.e., Business Advisory Council, Chamber of Commerce, Associations, etc.) Maintain accurate employment data; identify competitive job opportunities for program participants and assist in preparing them for the transition. Monitor transitional employment activities to ensure program participant and site employer satisfaction. Visit sites and advocate on behalf of participants and monitor progress, if applicable. Provides networking and linkages between the programs, mental health providers, and alcohol and drug treatment communities, requires both telephone and face-to-face contact; Coordinate case management services in order to ensure comprehensive development of an individual’s service plan. Coordinate services with other specialist on the ACT Team, i.e. family specialist, substance abuse specialist, nurse, case manager. Provides networking and linkages between the programs, mental health providers, requires both telephone and face-to-face contact Attend and participate in team meetings. Responsible for input into CAIRS upon admission, bi-annually and discharge. Act as a clinical liaison between the team and outside entities. Document any progress notes in EHR within 48 hours of all client and collateral contacts. Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely fashion and remain in compliance with agency, OMH, and AOT regulations. Communicate pertinent consumer and operational information to the Team Leader, Deputy Director, Division Director and Regulatory bodies. Participates in weekly supervision with Team Leader; attends all scheduled staff meetings, mandatory in-service training sessions, represents the ACT Team at meetings, trainings not otherwise specified. Participate/Organize case conferences and case consultation to ensure a high standard of service provision. Participate in OMH approved/required ACT Orientations and Trainings. Acts as a role model for participants; furthers participants in researching and obtaining community resources appropriate and applicable to their needs and goals; follows-up on any aftercare/recommendations for treatment. Escorts/ accompanies participant as needed on appointments (medical, psychiatric, substance abuse). Input all visits and data into Vellohealth software.

Other Responsibilities:

Demonstrate ability to: maintain required written documentations; communicate relevant information to other staff and supervisor(s), verbally and in writing. Ability to work flexible schedules as work schedules, trainings and location are subject to change. Ability to operate an agency vehicle. Attend all required training’s and any relevant to the position or deemed necessary by Team Leader. Maintain confidentiality at all times. This does not limit the assignment of duties or exclude the performance of other duties not mentioned as assigned by supervisor, the Team Leader, Deputy Director, Director, and/or Senior Management. Responsible for reporting and documenting all incidents to immediate supervisor within 24 hours.