Mental Health Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Simple IRA Retirement
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Do you believe employment can play a meaningful role in recovery?
Sanctuary House is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community-focused professional to join our IPS Supported Employment team. In this role, you will help adults living with severe and persistent mental illness achieve their employment goals through individualized support, employer engagement, and ongoing encouragement in real-world community settings.

This is not a desk job. Our Employment Specialists spend the majority of their time in the community helping individuals build confidence, connect with employers, and maintain meaningful employment aligned with their strengths, interests, and preferences.

The ideal candidate is someone who values recovery-oriented services, enjoys building relationships, works well independently, and believes people who experience mental health symptoms can succeed in competitive employment.

What You’ll Do

• Support adults with severe and persistent mental illness, including individuals living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and other behavioral health conditions
• Assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment based on their personal goals and preferences
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers through regular community outreach and business engagement
• Learn about employer hiring needs, workplace culture, and available job opportunities
• Provide individualized job search support, interview preparation, and workplace coaching
• Collaborate closely with behavioral health providers, peer support staff, families, housing providers, and other community supports
• Participate in weekly IPS Supported Employment team meetings and treatment team collaboration
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, including completion of service notes within 24 hours
• Provide the majority of services in community-based settings throughout the service area

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services or related field required
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness
• Experience supporting individuals with employment, vocational services, job coaching, or workforce development preferred
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and stay organized in a community-based role
• Comfortable engaging with local employers and advocating for employment opportunities
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license and reliable transportation required

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• Believes recovery is possible
• Enjoys working directly with people in the community
• Builds trust easily with both clients and employers
• Communicates professionally and compassionately
• Stays organized and follows through on responsibilities
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment

If you are passionate about helping people build independence, purpose, and recovery through employment, we encourage you to apply.