Individual Placement Support; IPS Specialist

• Location 5401 Southwest 7th Street, Topeka, KS, , United States
• Base Pay $23.00 / Hour
• Travel 50%
• Manage Others No

POSITION SUMMARY

The IPS Specialist in Community Support Services provides coordinated care, support, and ongoing interventions to engage participants in community-based living, working in partnership with person served toward individual goal attainment based on developed goals and objectives identified in their treatment plan with focus on employment and education needs. The IPS Specialist works individually with support of team within the strengths-based model.

Reporting to the Team Manager of IPS, this position ensures high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive service delivery consistent with the mission and standards of Astra Mental Health and Recovery, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).

The IPS Specialist promotes service excellence, professional growth, and accountability of daily operations and services in collaboration with Program and Team Managers. This role also supports Astra’s commitment to Access, Comprehensive Care, Excellent Outcomes, and Sustainability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Service Expectations and Responsibilities

• Engage in the daily review of participants in IPS into Community Support Services providing individual, family, and group assessment and education to individuals across the lifespan.
• Ensure that individuals seeking services are triaged promptly for risk and acuity and receive timely assignment either in-person or via secure telehealth.
• Meet with IPS Team weekly to coordinate care needs of service participants.
• Monitor service needs, caseload distribution, and scheduling to ensure access, timeliness, and quality within the team-based model and based on participant needs.
• Provide consultation and support to Program and Team Managers and fellow NASA Team Members regarding treatment planning, evidence-based practices, and documentation.
• Engage family and significant others to the extent possible in the planning and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed and back‑up coverage.
• Support the implementation of Astra’s trauma‑informed and person‑centered care framework across all Community Support Services.
• Maintain compliance with CCBHC, KDADS, and Medicaid standards for assessment, treatment, and documentation.
• Assist the Program Manager and Team Managers with data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives to promote clinical and operational excellence.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of operational and service driven workflows and service protocols.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration with case management, access, medical, and crisis services to support continuity of care.
• Coordinates with community partners, including Workforce Center, DCF Vocational Rehab, etc.

Performance Management

• Participate in regular supervision and annual performance evaluations with Program and Team Managers.
• Provide and receive ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to improve performance and confidence.
• Identify areas for development and create individualized professional growth plans as needed.
• The performance standard for providing person served direct service is 2.5 hours per 8‑hour workday (3.5 hours per 10‑hour workday), staff development and leave will be deducted from available work hours.

Resource and Workflow Management

• Manage caseloads and responsibilities based on staff expertise, licensure, and workload with the shared approach of the IPS Team.
• Support efficient use of staff and physical resources while maintaining service quality.

Decision-Making

• Exercise sound judgment in service coordination and individual care decisions, utilizing support of Program and Team Managers.
• Resolve conflicts promptly and collaboratively within the team.
• Contribute to departmental and programmatic planning and improvement efforts.

Communication

• Facilitate effective communication across the CSS team and with other Astra departments.
• Participate in regular team meetings and one‑on‑one check‑ins to ensure open communication and accountability.
• Report progress, challenges, and outcomes to the Program Manager – Specialized…