Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Specialist – Supported Employment

Salary:

• High School or GED + 5 years’ experience: $23.00/hour + Every other Friday off – paid wellness days

• Bachelor’s Degree: $25.00/hour + Every other Friday off – paid wellness days

• Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification

Schedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day) | May include some evenings based on client employment needs

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

About 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 across a multi-county area. We recognize that every role within our organization contributes to client success – including helping individuals achieve meaningful employment and independence.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC

At Heritage, we believe in supporting our staff so they can best support the individuals we serve. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we invest in their success.

Your Role:

Employment Specialist – IPS Supported Employment

As an Employment Specialist providing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services at Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, Illinois, you will help individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment aligned with their preferences. This role follows the IPS evidence-based model, emphasizing rapid job search, individualized support, and integration with clinical treatment teams.

You will work collaboratively with clinical staff, employers, and community partners to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment, enhancing recovery, independence, and overall quality of life.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized job development and placement services based on client preferences, strengths, and experiences.
• Support rapid job search efforts, minimizing pre-employment barriers and focusing on competitive employment.
• Develop relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities and advocate for clients.
• Assist clients with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and job retention skills.
• Provide ongoing, individualized support to help clients maintain employment, including on-the-job coaching as needed.
• Collaborate closely with behavioral health treatment teams to integrate employment goals into overall care.
• Educate clients on how employment may impact benefits and connect them to benefits counseling as needed.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation in accordance with IPS fidelity standards and agency requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and IPS fidelity reviews to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:
• Understanding of recovery principles and the role of employment in recovery
• Familiarity with the IPS Supported Employment model (preferred)
• Knowledge of local labor market trends, employers, and workforce resources

Skills:
• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills to support individuals in achieving employment goals
• Ability to build relationships with both clients and employers
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and motivational skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment

Abilities:
• Work independently while maintaining accountability and productivity expectations
• Adapt to changing client needs, job markets, and work environments
• Utilize technology for documentation, job search, and communication
• Demonstrate cultural competence and a strengths-based, person-centered approach

Education and Experience:

• Experience working with individuals with a mental health or substance use diagnosis is preferred
• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, or similar human services field, with the ability to function as a MHP, is highly recommended.
• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent, plus five years of experience in a social service setting is required.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current insurance are required.

Heritage Also Offers:

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401(k) and Roth retirement plans
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!