Employment Specialist

Employee Specialist – Individual Placement and Support (IPS) TeamSalary:High School Diploma or GED: $18.00/hour + paid wellness day every other FridayHigh School Diploma or GED + 5 years' supervised behavioral health experience: $23.00/hour + paid wellness day every other FridayBachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Human Services: $25.00/hour + paid wellness day every other FridaySchedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring a passionate Employee Specialist to join our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team!About Heritage Behavioral Health CenterWe 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 every individual at our organization has an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold.Why You'll Love Working Here:Collaborative, mission-driven work environmentEvery other Friday off – paid wellness daysCompetitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarksLoan forgiveness eligibility through NHSCOngoing training and support in the evidence-based treatment modelsAt Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff's needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!Your RoleThe Employee Specialist works as part of our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team, using the evidence-based IPS – Supported Employment model to help individuals with a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring diagnosis find and keep competitive employment in the community. This role integrates closely with each individual's treatment team and focuses on rapid, individualized job searches driven by the person's own preferences, strengths, and goals.Core Responsibilities:Provide direct IPS – Supported Employment services to individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disordersConduct vocational assessments based on individual preferences, strengths, and work historyEngage in rapid, individualized job development and job searches (not solely reliant on classroom training or pre-employment assessment)Build and maintain relationships with area employers to identify job opportunities matching participant interestsProvide time-unlimited, individualized follow-along supports to help participants maintain employmentIntegrate employment services with mental health/substance use treatment by collaborating closely with each participant's treatment teamAssist participants in understanding how employment may affect benefits, coordinating with benefits planning resources as neededMaintain accurate, timely documentation of services provided in accordance with agency and funding source requirementsParticipate in IPS supervision, fidelity reviews, and ongoing training to maintain adherence to the evidence-based modelAttend and actively participate in team meetings, treatment team meetings, and community networking eventsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Understanding of, or willingness to be trained in, the IPS – Supported Employment evidence-based modelStrong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with participants, employers, and treatment team membersAbility to work independently in the community while managing a caseloadStrong organizational skills and attention to detail for documentation and complianceBelief in the ability of individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders to work in competitive, integrated employmentComfort with a flexible schedule that may include community-based meetings with employers and participantsQualifications:High School Diploma or GED requiredBachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Human Services preferredA valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance is requiredMinimum of 21 years of ageHeritage also offers the following with this position:Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leaveWellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursementInsurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contribution toward the costRetirement plan (401k)Direct deposit of payroll checkContinuing education and tuition assistance opportunitiesAccess to Federal Student Loan Forgiveness – Heritage is a National Health Service Corp Site, providing access to federal student loan forgiveness for approved licensed staff. Additional information is available at nhsc.hrsa.gov