POSITION SUMMARY 

Carries out the services of the Individualized Placement and Supports (IPS) Supported Employment program by assisting disabled adults with community job development, job placement and post-employment follow up. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engages clients and establishes trusting collaborative relationships directed towards the goal of competitive employment in community settings. 
• Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (i.e. SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how their benefits will be affected by employment. 
• Helps clients think about long-term employment or education goals, work history, strengths and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal. 
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed towards positions that are individualized to the interests of the clients, following the principles and procedures of IPS Supported Employment.  
• Conducts a minimum of 6 employer contacts per week to learn about businesses and employer needs. 
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Develops an individualized employment plan with the client and incorporating input from the mental health team. 
• Is responsible to carry a case load of 15 clients after the first six months of employment. 
• Is responsible for 8 job starts each year after the first year of employment. 
• Spends at least 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community. 
• Provides education and support to family members about work. Gathers input about skills, interests and strengths of the client and ideas for supports.
• Prepares timely reports and works cooperatively with the Division of Vocation Rehabilitation (DVR) to determine eligibility for employment. 
• Maintains accurate and timely clinical records consistent with Center standards. 
• Participates in meetings, in-services and supervisory sessions as required. 
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

EDUCATION 

An individual performing the job coaching possesses one or more of the following: 

• CARF accreditation in the area of Community Employment Services; or, 
• RSAS accreditation 
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, special education, or a closely related field; or,
• Nationally recognized supported employment training certificate or certification 
• One year or more of full-time work experience providing satisfactory job placement services 

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS 

• Experience working with people with serious mental illness, providing employment services and knowledge of the work world are preferred. 
• Having the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries, identify strengths, and support the client right to make independent decisions when possible. 
• Knowledge of community resources and disability programs/resources. 
• Knowledge of cultural issues that may have a bearing on service provision. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 
• Computer literacy to include basic skills in e-mail communication and word processing. 
• Ability to work as an effective team member is essential. 
• Ability to travel within the Center's service area or to other locations as needed.