Employment Specialist

High School or GED: $18.00/hour + 56 paid days off annually High School or GED + 5 years’ experience: $23.00/hour + 56 paid days off annually Bachelor’s Degree: $25.00/hour + 56 paid days off annually Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification Schedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day) 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 who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold. Why You’ll Love Working Here: Every other Friday off – paid wellness days 56 paid days off in your first year Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC At 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 Role: 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 Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent plus 5 years of supervised mental health or social service experience Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or human service field preferred Minimum of 21 years of age A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance. Heritage also offers the following with this position: 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, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost. Retirement :401k and Roth Professional Growth :Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities Loan Forgiveness :Eligible through the National Health Service Corp #J-18808-Ljbffr Heritage Behavioral Health Center- HBHC