IPS Employment Specialist - ABK016 - Mon-Fri -9AM-5PM

About WellLife Network: WellLife Network is a leading health and human services organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across New York City and Long Island. Recognized as a 2023 top-rated nonprofit, WellLife Network empowers people to overcome life’s challenges and achieve greater independence, well-being, and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive suite of programs spanning mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, housing, and employment support, all grounded in a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Central to our mission is an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within our organization and in the communities we serve. As a trusted community partner, WellLife Network fosters a nurturing environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and realize their fullest potential.

Position Summary: A staff member who, has lead responsibility to deliver the full range of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) interventions, including but not limited to: rapid job search for ACT participants, systematic job development and partnering with employers in the community, and job coaching interventions as needed.  The IPS Employment Specialist in ACT should result in a network of employers and job opportunities, which can be shared with other rehabilitation programs within the provider agency. sharing knowledge and expertise and integrating employment goals with services and tasks of team members.

Essential Accountabilities:

1. IPS Employment Specialists must spend at least 50% of their time off-site, in the community. This off-site time is inclusive of job development activities and direct service provision.
2. In keeping with fidelity to the IPS model, the IPS Employment Specialists spend at least 65% of their time off-site, in the community.
3. Develop an employer network.
4. The IPS Employment Specialist must enroll and actively participate in the Center for Practice Innovation’s IPS Learning Collaborative.
5. Participate in trainings and technical assistance related to IPS.
6. IPS Employment Specialists, although working with the ACT team(s), shall solely do IPS related tasks.
7. Complete assessments of the individual’s employment goals and needs.
8. Enter clients interested in employment into the New York State Employment Services System (NYESS), and relevant information must be maintained as required.
9. Assess the educational strengths, weaknesses and needs of program participants in order to ensure individualized service planning.
10. Counsel program participants in individual and group settings in facilitating vocational development.
11. Provide direct care vocational and educational services to individuals including vocational counseling, group facilitation, service plan development, report generation and progress noting.
12. Develop employment resources, job leads, vocational curriculum and specific group activities.
13. Network with businesses and Mental Health community to solicit leads and educate, community regarding available services (i.e., Business Advisory Council, Chamber of Commerce, Associations, etc.)
14. Maintain accurate employment data; identify competitive job opportunities for program participants and assist in preparing them for the transition
15. Monitor transitional employment activities to ensure program participant and site employer satisfaction.
16. Visit sites and advocate on behalf of participants and monitor progress, if applicable.
17. Provides networking and linkages between the programs, mental health providers, and alcohol and drug treatment communities, requires both telephone and face-to-face contact;
18. Coordinate case management services in order to ensure comprehensive development of an individual’s service plan.