Employment Specialist- Behavioral Health Team

Being a part of the Goodwill of Central Iowa team gives you a lot to feel good about. Whether you are working in our retail stores, providing direct support and training to our participants, or continuing your career at headquarters in operations or administrative support, you are making a difference in your community.

Learn how we are all working together to make purposeful employment possible for all central Iowans.

Position:Employment Specialist
- Behavioral Health Team

Location: Headquarters: 5355 NW 86th St.

Johnston, IA

Job :

# of Openings:1

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for an Employment Specialist
- Behavioral Health Team to assist program participants in finding and maintaining employment with our values are love, kindness, and respect.

• A competitive industry hourly pay rate
  - dependent upon relevant years of experience.
• PTO increases after 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years!
• 5% employer match for retirement account

An Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist provides vocational assessment and employment services to GCI (Goodwill of Central Iowa) participants in collaboration with behavioral health and vocational rehabilitation agencies. This position will assist participants in finding and maintaining competitive employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. The IPS Employment Specialist will perform work from the offices of a partnering behavioral health agency as well as GCI offices.

What You'll Do:

• Supports participants enrolled in Individual Placement Support (IPS) Services program.
• Manages a caseload of program participants as determined by supervisor.
• Develops and builds partnerships with community employers and resources.
• Assists participants in building and executing their ISP (Individual Service Plan) including employment preparation, job development, and employment retention.
• Works with program participants to complete resumes, applications, and cover letters.
• Adheres to the core principles of IPS which include: A focus on competitive employment, rapid job search, eligibility based on client choice, attention to client’s preferences in employment services and supports, the integration of employment and clinical services, time-unlimited support, and systematic job and employer relationship development.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on their case load, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
• Provides ongoing support to participants once employment is obtained to ensure participant success in their job, including on-site support and 1-1 coaching sessions.
• Maintains regular communication, engagement, and meetings with the participant's care teams and mental health providers.
• Facilitates open and frequent communication with the Vocational Skills Manager and Mental Health Treatment Team.
• Creates and maintains appropriate documentation to meet funding, program, and reimbursement requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in human services, business, education, marketing, sales, human resources, or related field from an accredited college.
• Two years' experience working with people with severe mental illness and/or history of substance abuse and experience providing employment and job placement services is preferred.
• Experience partnering and/or referring agencies such as behavioral health agencies, IVRS (Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services), MCOs (Managed Care Organizations), DHS (Department of Health and Human Services), and other local and state resources.
• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR…