IPS Employment Specialist

The Guidance Center (TGC) is the Community Mental Health Center and Certified Behavioral Health Clinic serving Leavenworth, Atchison, and Jefferson counties in Kansas. We provide high-quality care to all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances. Joining the team at TGC offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact on the most vulnerable members of our community. At our center, we offer a unique combination of counseling, case management, psychosocial, and medication services, all under one roof. We are deeply committed to our clients and are dedicated to implementing a comprehensive model of care. 

The Guidance Center (TGC) is currently seeking a IPS Employment Specialist to be the newest member of our innovative interdisciplinary team. The Employment Specialist will assist clients to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.   

Pay and Benefits: 

• The opportunity to be part of a holistic and supportive team 
• Medical, Dental, Vision 
• KPERS Retirement System 
• Aflac, Life, Legal Shield, and ID Theft Insurance 
• Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays 
• Flexible Schedules 
• Competitive hourly rate of $26.11 to $28.51, depending upon qualifications.  

Primary Duties: 

1. Meet with referred clients to assess for employment needs, strengths, barriers, and assist in creating an individualized treatment plan based on the client’s goal, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment. 
2. Assist clients with identifying and acquiring full-time or part-time jobs of their choice. 
3. Assist clients with job development and job search activities.  
4. Assess clients vocational skills and preferences on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.  Discuss client’s preference for disclosure of mental health status to employers. Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients.  May assist with request job accommodations on the client’s behalf.  
5. Participates in weekly meetings with treatment team and communicates with other providers to coordinate and integrate vocations services with mental health treatment. 
6. Network and maintain positive working relationships with local businesses, social service organizations and state agencies and internal collaterals. Network to build new professional relationships with community stakeholders. Maintain an updated list of contacts in centralized database and share resources and employment leads with other agency providers. 
7. Contacts an average of six employers per week.  Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program, and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.  
8. Transport and accompany clients to job interviews and other appointments as appropriate. 
9. Assist clients in resume building and completing application. Additionally, work with clients and their identified strengths to support their ability to accomplish tasks on their own.   
10. Assist clients with developing interview skills, job hunting/application processes, interview follow-up, and onboarding responsibilities.   

QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE: 

Bachelor’s degree is required. Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or human service field preferred.? Equivalent work experience in the human services field, or a combination of work experience in the human services field and education, with one year of experience substituting for one year of education, may be considered. 

EXPERIENCE: 

Required: 6 months of volunteer or paid experience working with individuals in the community.? 

Preferred: experience working with individuals with mental health issues. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.