IPS Employment Specialist; Clubhouse Counselor

IPS Employment Specialist (Clubhouse Counselor)

Join to apply for the IPS Employment Specialist (Clubhouse Counselor) role at Vinfen.

As a Clubhouse IPS Employment Specialist, help members obtain and retain employment consistent with their goals using the evidence‑based practice Individual Placement and Support (IPS) supported employment model and practices. Function as a member of the Clubhouse Team to ensure integration of employment goals for members in their Clubhouse Action Plan. Provide members and other Clubhouse staff with information and expertise about IPS supported employment.

Help club members and staff think about employment for people who haven't yet been referred to supported employment services. Provide individual and group support to the members of the Clubhouse.

• Maintain a Clubhouse advisor caseload comprised solely of members who have been referred for IPS Supported Employment services. Partner with members and Clubhouse staff to assess, develop, and implement Action Plans focused on individual employment goals.
• Communicate and reinforce the Clubhouse culture and philosophy to the membership as well as other involved providers, community resources, and employer partners. In partnership with membership and staff develop, implement, and support all Clubhouse policies and procedures.
• Promote a supportive and empowering service environment in which members learn to advocate for themselves, make their own choices, take risks, and assume additional responsibilities.
• Engage members in the Clubhouse and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers without psychiatric conditions.
• Collaborate with local CWIC services to assist members in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment so that members make financially‑informed decisions about employment opportunities. Help members to access benefits and work incentive’ counseling when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
• Assess members’ vocational functioning on an ongoing basis using background information and prior work experiences. Complete career profile for each new member with information from the member, other service providers, and with permission, family members and/or past employers. Update the member’s profile after each job start and job stop.
• With the member’s permission, provide education and support to family members about work and gather input about skills, interests, strengths of the member, and ideas for support.
• Conduct job development and job search activities individualized to the preferences of each member, following the principles and practices of IPS supported employment model.
• Review member’s preference regarding disclosure of psychiatric status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specifics to be disclosed. Provide assistance with job search regardless of member’s preferences regarding disclosure (i.e., provides support without employer contact when member chooses not to disclose).
• Make a minimum of six employer contacts each week to learn about local businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific members who are looking for work and/or to talk about supports offered by the IPS program to employers.
• Support members by making employer contacts, on behalf of or with members, to gain information about jobs and/or to apply for jobs within 30 days of IPS service entry.
• Collaborate with Clubhouse staff and members to provide individualized follow‑along supports to assist each member in maintaining employment. Provide frequent face‑to‑face supports during the first month of a new job and at least monthly after following the desires of the member.
• Provide education and support to employer as agreed upon by member, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow‑along contact with the employer.
• Provide outreach services as necessary to members when they appear to disengage from the Club.
• Collaborate with Clubhouse members and staff to provide support for career development and supported education.
• Li…