IPS Employment Specialist - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Salary Range $20.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Position Type Full-Time

Education Level High School

Job Description

Make an Impact.

At WellLife Network, every role plays a vital part in empowering people to live their best lives. As part of one of New York’s largest nonprofit health and human services organizations, you’ll join a team dedicated to compassion, inclusion, and excellence — helping individuals and families thrive every day.

Position Summary

The IPS Employment Specialist provides the full range of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within the ACT program, including rapid job search, job development, employer engagement, and job coaching. This role supports individuals with serious mental illness in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment while integrating vocational goals into overall treatment planning. The specialist builds and maintains a network of employers and collaborates with the ACT team to support recovery and community integration.

Essential Responsibilities

• Deliver IPS services in accordance with evidence-based model standards, spending the majority of time (minimum 65%) in the community providing direct services and job development.

• Conduct vocational assessments to identify participants’ employment goals, strengths, and support needs.

• Provide individual and group vocational counseling, job readiness training, and ongoing employment support.

• Develop and maintain relationships with employers to create competitive job opportunities.

• Identify job leads, coordinate placements, and support participants through job transitions and retention.

• Maintain accurate employment records and enter required data into systems such as NYESS, CAIRS, and VelloHealth.

• Monitor employment placements and ensure participant and employer satisfaction.

• Collaborate with ACT team members (e.g., clinicians, nurses, substance use specialists) to integrate employment goals into service plans.

• Serve as a liaison with community partners, including mental health, substance use, and vocational service providers.

• Document all client interactions and progress notes in the EHR within required timeframes.

• Ensure compliance with agency policies and regulatory requirements, including OMH and AOT standards.

• Participate in team meetings, supervision, case conferences, and required trainings, including the IPS Learning Collaborative.

• Provide advocacy and support to participants, including accompanying them to appointments when needed.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical standards at all times.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule and travel extensively within the community.

• Ability to operate an agency vehicle.

• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

What You’ll Gain

· Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience.

· Robust Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and 401k retirement plan (with matching).

· Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and personal days.

· Wellness Program: Free and low-cost gym and wellness access and support.

· Training & Growth: Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities.

· Meaningful Work: Direct impact on the lives of youth and their families.

· Supportive Environment: A collaborative team that values your contributions

Qualifications

• Must hold an associate’s degree in a related human service field.

• One year of training and/or experience in vocational assessment, job exploration, and skills development in choosing, getting, and maintaining employment, employment counseling or vocational rehabilitation.

• Experience working with behavioral health population preferred.

• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email, navigate and enter all documentation into electronic medical record.

• Valid New York State driver’s license and vehicle required – candidates are subject to regulatory background checks and must be willing to utilize own vehicle for home visits.