Supported Employment & Engagement Specialist - First Episode Psychosis Clinic

JOB SUMMARY:

The Supported Employment & Engagement Specialist (SEES) helps young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis pursue meaningful employment, education, and career goals as part of their recovery. Working as a member of an evidence-based Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) team, this role partners with individuals to identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations while providing individualized support to obtain and maintain competitive employment or educational opportunities.

Build trusting, person-centered relationships with individuals and families to support recovery-oriented employment and educational goals, using a strengths-based, collaborative approach. Offer services to all enrolled clients regardless of symptom severity or perceived readiness, consistent with the IPS "no exclusions" philosophy. Deliver evidence-based Supported Employment and Education services using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, including career profile assessments, disclosure discussions, and a "place then train" approach that prioritizes rapid engagement in competitive employment or mainstream education aligned with client preferences.

Maintain required IPS certification. Provide individualized vocational and educational coaching across all phases: job exploration, career planning, school enrollment, financial aid, resume development, interview preparation, benefits counseling, and ongoing follow-along support. Identify academic accommodations and school-based resources for clients pursuing education. Conduct active community outreach, dedicating a minimum of 20% of FTE to developing relationships with local employers, colleges, vocational programs, and community partners to expand opportunities for clients.

Collaborate fully as a member of the multidisciplinary FEP team, participating in weekly team meetings and daily huddles, contributing to treatment planning, and integrating vocational and educational goals into each client’s individualized wellness plan. Advocate for workplace and academic accommodations and connect individuals with community resources, including NC Vocational Rehabilitation, to support sustained participation in meaningful roles as a core component of early psychosis recovery.

Maintain timely documentation, manage a caseload of at least 15 active clients per FTE, and participate in all required EPI-NC Learning Healthcare Network activities, including Project ECHO sessions, role-specific consultation calls, and fidelity monitoring.

Effectively and respectably communicate with other individuals, whether it be a colleague, patient, or patient’s family member and appropriately enumerate information in a manner easily understood by all parties. We do this to foster a culture of understanding between all parties, especially in complex and difficult situations, to ultimately provide the best care possible to our patients and their families.

Ability to make the most appropriate decision in a given situation and then taking the next steps to ensure appropriate and timely completion. This requires conflict resolution skills, critical thinking skills, confidence in your ability to make the right decision in most situations. This also includes ability to prioritize your workday appropriately to ensure the most important tasks are completed on time.

Having the drive to keep yourself abreast and up to date on the new breakthroughs in your area of expertise and communicating them to the rest of the team, as appropriate. This also includes keeping up with your licensure and yearly training requirements within your area expertise along with MAHEC’s organizational training. Finally, the ability to apply the depth of knowledge maintained and gained through this process in real life scenarios as appropriate.

Showing the ability to meet difficult situations with grace, professionalism, and understanding. Within your area of expertise, showing respect and showing empathy where appropriate with your colleagues, patients, and their family at all times, even when…