Employment Specialist

Excitement abounds at Heritage Behavioral Health Center! We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care for individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization impact patient care – regardless of the position they hold. We are pleased to present the following position for your consideration: Employment Specialist This full-time position is responsible for assisting persons served in obtaining and maintaining successful employment through the agency's IPS program. The role works collaboratively with treatment teams and the Department of Rehabilitation Services. The program provides a wide array of services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or co‑occurring disorder seeking to reintegrate into the workforce. IPS Employment Specialists strive to find the best fit for the person served’s unique strengths and abilities. A key focus for IPS is assisting individuals in developing the skills needed to do a great job while maintaining productive, positive workplace relationships. Core Responsibilities Establish trusting, collaborative relationships with persons served, potential employers, and vocational counselors. Complete vocational assessments, job search plans, and job retention plans with the person served. Assist individuals in job search activities including developing resumes, identifying job leads, completing applications, and developing interviewing skills. Guide individuals through the job search process and assist with developing coping skills and illness self‑management skills while working. Complete job development contacts to build relationships with hiring managers in the community. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings within the agency and the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to work with a wide array of populations is essential. Excellent customer service skills. Diplomacy skills. Decision making and problem‑solving abilities. Daily flexibility. Good organizational skills. Ability to work in a team‑based environment. Strong desire to work with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and/or dual disorder. Philosophical understanding that all persons served have the ability to work. Education and Experience Previous experience working as a staff member in a vocational or job readiness training environment is beneficial. Minimum high school diploma or equivalent is required. The ideal candidate will have the ability to function as a Mental Health Professional which is defined as 5 years’ experience in a behavioral health setting. Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS). A Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, social work, human services, or a related field, or any other degree plus 2 years of experience. Valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance are required. Salary Range: $47,840 – $56,190 per year ($23.00 – $27.00 per hour) dependent on education and experience. Benefits Generous vacation, sick and personal leave. WELLNESS days – 26 days per year (every other Friday off paid). Paid holidays – 9 in 2025. Health club/Fitness reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program. Continuing education opportunities. Tuition assistance program. Agency‑provided life insurance and short‑term disability policies. Retirement plans (401k and Roth). Optional insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. The health insurance benefit includes substantial agency contribution toward the cost. We are a National Health Service Corp site which gives staff access to the National Health Service Corp federal student loan forgiveness program (LCPC, LCSW, MD, APN, RN, CADC, LSW, and LPC individuals). For more information, visit #J-18808-Ljbffr