ACT INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT AND SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency transforming lives and communities through mental health, addiction, housing, and essential human services with more than 60 social service programs in over 20 locations.

SCHEDULE 

Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM 

SUMMARY

Family Service League is seeking a full-time  Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Specialist for the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program. The IPS Specialist is an integral member of the ACT team, a multidisciplinary group that provides comprehensive, community-based mental health services to individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). The IPS Specialist will focus on supported employment, helping individuals obtain and maintain competitive jobs in integrated work settings, aligning with their preferences and recovery goals. 

  We offer a generous benefits package including the following:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retirement Savings Plan with a 5% employer contribution
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Generous PTO (paid time off)
• Up to 11 paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Student Tuition Remission Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Discounts and more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The IPS Specialist will provide Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services, a best-practice supported employment model for individuals with mental illness.
• Conduct vocational assessments and develop personalized employment plans based on clients' interests, strengths, and goals.
• Assist individuals in job search activities, including resume development, job applications, interview coaching, and employer engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers, educational institutions, and vocational training programs to develop job opportunities.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and follow-along support to ensure long-term employment success.
• The IPS Specialist will work collaboratively with ACT Team members (psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, peer specialists, etc.) to integrate employment services into clients’ overall treatment plans.
• Coordinate with vocational rehabilitation agencies, workforce development programs, and benefits counselors to help clients navigate employment-related benefits (e.g., SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, and Ticket to Work).
• Educate ACT Team staff on employment-related issues and advocate for the importance of work as a tool for recovery.
• The IPS Specialist will provide individualized job development and placement based on the zero-exclusion principle—helping all clients who express a desire to work, regardless of symptoms or challenges.
• Offer counseling and psychoeducation on workplace expectations, self-advocacy, and symptom management in work environments.
• Help clients address barriers to employment, such as criminal history, lack of experience, or fear of losing benefits.
• Maintain accurate and timely progress notes, employment plans, and outcome tracking in accordance with OMH, Medicaid, and IPS fidelity standards.
• Participate in team meetings, IPS fidelity reviews, and ACT supervision to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Collect and analyze employment outcome data to monitor progress and enhance service effectiveness.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field required.

One year of experience in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, or working with individuals with SMI required.

Familiarity with benefits counseling, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives.

Ability to work flexibly in the community, providing outreach and engagement in clients' homes, workplaces, and other community settings.

Strong interpersonal, advocacy, and relationship-building skills required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Records (EHR) required.

Valid and clean NYS Driver’s License required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

This position requires sitting for long periods of time and travelling to conduct home visits.