The AIM Center Inc. INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT AND SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST Chattanooga, TN · Full time

Apply for INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT AND SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

AIM CENTER, INC. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

JOB TITLE:           INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT AND SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST 

REPORTS TO:                      IPS Team Lead, Program Director

JOB CLASSIFICATION:    Full-Time, Non-Exempt 

SUPERVISES:                       N/A 

COMPENSATION:        $36,500.00

                             AIM Center is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

AIM Center is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

POSITION PURPOSE:  To promote recovery in a Clubhouse Environment fostering relationships with Members, while carrying out the services of the IPS Supported Employment program. Work alongside mental health consumers to identify specific supports, settings, and circumstances to enhance success and stability in employment.  Assist clients with individualized job searches, hiring, and training steps while coordinating and collaborating with employers, mental health providers, family members/housing supports, benefits counseling, transportation, and state vocational services. Provides support for educational and technical training for career advancement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Completes training in and actively carries out evidence-based supported employment services using the Individualized Placement Services (IPS) Model. 
• 65% of the time will be in the community and the remaining 35% inside the Clubhouse. 
• Engages Clubhouse Members/IPS clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers who may not necessarily have disabilities. 
• Completes initial paperwork, and develops individualized person-specific employment and/or education plans with clients that are congruent with each person’s goals, incorporating input from their mental health team and family members, with client permission. 
• Job development, building business networking relationships. Conducts an average of six job development contacts per week.
• Develops relationships with employers by learning about their businesses, hiring practices, hiring preferences, etc.
• Seeks out certain types of jobs in order to make a good “match” for the member’s skill sets, work history, and future work desires.
• Refer members to Vocational Rehabilitation or other funding sources if/as appropriate.
• Participates in face-to-face and virtual meetings with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, Office for Disability Services, Employers, Teachers/Instructors, Financial Aid Counselors, and family members with client permission to assist in the achievement of employment and/or education goals.  
•  Meets with the VR counselor at each funding level for Supported Employment members. 
• Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed.
• Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Continues providing follow-along supportive services to members while working, once employed, for a specified period based on need.
• Is knowledgeable about all Letters of Agreement with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and ensures that all contractual requirements are being met.
• Maintains client employment files containing required documentation in the AWARDS electronic record system and paper files to meet contractual and regulatory requirements including Career Profiles, Job Search Plans, Job Support Plans, Job Start Forms, Job End Forms, Individual Progress Notes, etc. 
• Completes monthly statistics on job-seeking and employed clients.
• Assists with tracking systems and compiles employment data for reporting and presentations for TDHS/DRS and TDMHSAS. 
• Attends weekly IPS staff meetings with the IPS Team Lead and other Employment Specialists.
• Captures and relates client recovery stories to IPS staff and the Clubhouse. 
• Models “Clubhouse Philosophy” by participating in Clubhouse activities to include Community Meetings, Unit Meetings, Employment dinners/activities, and after-hours/holiday/weekend social programming.
• Participates in community job and career fairs and disability awareness activities.
• Creates and displays job opportunities and other employment motivational graphics and signage. 
• Co-leads employment-related skill-building activities such as Wrap-for-Work.
• Advocates for the protection of members’ rights and services, increased Community opportunities, and ADA compliance. 
• Collaborates with staff, members, and the community to gain the perspectives of others with diverse opinions, abilities, values, beliefs, perspectives, and ethnic or cultural backgrounds.
• Takes deliberate steps to increase own cultural competency by attending training, events, discussions, workshops, etc.  
• Completes all required training, and is knowledgeable of the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support program and Fidelity requirements.
• Other duties as assigned

III. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   

Bachelor’s Degree. Experience working with people with severe mental illness, and experience assisting with employment services are preferred.  

• Possess a positive outlook towards recovery with compassion, and support. 
• Ability to work as an effective team member is essential while having the ability to work independently when in the community using a strengths-based approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required to engage with persons of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Exhibit professionalism, competence, and ethical behavior when interfacing with Clubhouse members, IPS Clients, AIM staff and leadership, and Clubhouse visitors, in addition to employers and business contacts. 
• Possess a valid driver’s license and F endorsement (TN only). 
• Maintain personal vehicle liability insurance throughout employment.
• Personal vehicle to transport IPS clients, when needed. 
• Excellent organizational skills and strong analytical skills.
• Synthesize information, make decisions, and consistently follow through on the completion of tasks, meeting deadlines as required.
• Able to operate with many distractions and share office space.
• Be able to receive and provide feedback to others in a manner that promotes teamwork and personal growth. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

“The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.”

• Able to lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 15 pounds occasionally.

• Frequently requires fine dexterity, standing, and sitting.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

AIM Center provides work-life balance and competitive compensation. Eligible employees receive a rich collection of benefits. These include, but are not limited to:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage

• Dental 

• Vision

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/ Behavioral Health

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage 

• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Coverage  

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match up to 3% of annual salary

• Generous Paid Time Off

• 10 Paid Holidays

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and resume via:

• Email: [email protected]

• By Fax: (423) 648-9135

• In-Person: 472 West Martin Luther King Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37402

 Follow us on our Social Media

FaceBook: AIMCenterInc

Instagram: aim.center

Twitter: AIMCenterNooga

Website: aimcenterinc.org