IPS Employment and Education Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Title : IPS Employment and Education Specialist

Hours Per Week : 35 hours

Location : White Plains, NY

Reports To : ACT Team Leader

Summary Description : The IPS Supported Employment and Education Specialist carries out the services of the IPS Supported Employment program by assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

The specialist also provides support for schooling and technical training for career advancement.

Key Responsibilities :

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities.
• Assists clients in understanding how employment will affect their entitlements (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) so they can make decisions about employment opportunities.

Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed.

• Helps clients report earnings as needed.
• Assesses clients' vocational skills and preferences on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.

With the client's permission, provide information and support to family members.

• Discuss the client's preference for disclosure of mental health status to employers.
• Helps clients learn about different jobs / careers by assisting with meetings with workers / managers to ask about positions that interest clients, meetings with academic advisors, observing workers, and job fairs to speak with employers about different types of jobs.
• Conduct job development and job search activities tailored to each client's interests and needs, following IPS-supported employment principles.
• Provide individualized follow-along support, including writing job support plans with clients and incorporating input from family members (with client permission) and the mental health team.

Adjust the plan according to the client’s needs and preferences.

• Educate and support employers, negotiate job accommodations, and follow along with the employer through the IPS specialist.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the mental health treatment team and monthly face-to-face meetings with state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors to coordinate services for clients.

Collaborates with individual counselors between meetings to assist clients.

Attends high school meetings with teachers, such as Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, and Transition Plan meetings, to discuss how students learn best and ways that the IPS specialist can support the student’s education.

Assists clients in learning about different education and vocational training programs related to client interests and academic aptitudes.

Focuses on mainstream education and certificate training programs only.

Provides support with financial aid, including the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), understanding loan obligations, applying for scholarships, and obtaining tools, equipment, and computers.

Offers support prior to the beginning of education programs, including accompanying new students on campus / school tours, buying books or supplies, applying for services with the Office of Disability Services, signing up for seminars on effective study skills, discussing where to study between classes, etc.

Offers help to manage school schedule, including due dates for assignments, reserving time to study for exams, and keeping track of class drop dates.

Collaborates with counselors at the Office for Disability Services, professors / instructors, and counselors at the Financial Aid Office, as needed.

Requirements :

• Experience working with people with severe mental illness, experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred.
• May be non-licensed and possess an education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in vocational rehabilitation, disabilities services, business personnel management, or behavioral health counseling.
• Basic Computer knowledge is required.
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Valid Drivers License. Must obtain and maintain Defensive Driver Certification within 30 days of hire
• Must maintain pre-employment clearances by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Greater Mental Health Benefits :

Salary Range : $50,000-55,000 per hour based on departmental budget, qualifications, experience, education, and licenses.

This range represents the agency’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

• Flexible Work Arrangements : Subject to business needs, including hybrid options.
• Paid Time Off : 25 days of PTO, 12 sick days, and 11 company-paid holidays per year (prorated for part-time staff).
• Health Benefits : Medical, dental, and vision plans for staff working 30+ hours.
• Retirement : 403B plan with discretionary employer contributions after 1 year.
• Professional Development : Opportunities for advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
• Additional Perks : Free EAP services and employee discounts (hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, electronics, and more!)

Employee Classification : Non-Exempt, Full Time

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and volunteer service without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request a reasonable accommodation, contact to the Human Resources Department you may contact us via telephone at 914-345-5900.