Employment and Education Specialist in White Plains, New York at The Mental Health Association of Westchester County Inc

Reports To: Adult Act Team Leader
Program: Adult Act Westchester
Location: On-site -White Plains, NY
Hours Per Week: 35
FLSA Status: Full-time, non-exempt
Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000 annually

Summary Description: The IPS Employment and Education Specialist provides individualized supported employment and education services using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. This position helps individuals with behavioral health needs obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment that aligns with their strengths, interests, and career goals. The specialist also supports clients in pursuing educational opportunities, technical training, and career advancement while collaborating closely with treatment teams, employers, educators, and community partners.

Responsibilities:

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities.
• Assists clients in understanding how employment will affect their entitlements (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) so they can make decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed.
• Helps clients report earnings as needed.
• Assesses clients' vocational skills and preferences on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences. With the client's permission, provide information and support to family members.
• Discuss the client's preference for disclosure of mental health status to employers.
• Helps clients learn about different jobs/careers by assisting with meetings with workers/managers to ask about positions that interest clients, meetings with academic advisors, observing workers, and job fairs to speak with employers about different types of jobs.
• Conduct job development and job search activities tailored to each client's interests and needs, following IPS-supported employment principles.
• Provide individualized follow-along support, including writing job support plans with clients and incorporating input from family members (with client permission) and the mental health team. Adjust the plan according to the client’s needs and preferences.
• Educate and support employers, negotiate job accommodations, and follow along with the employer through the IPS specialist.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the mental health treatment team and monthly face-to-face meetings with state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors to coordinate services for clients. Collaborates with individual counselors between meetings to assist clients.
• Attends high school meetings with teachers, such as Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, and Transition Plan meetings, to discuss how students learn best and ways that the IPS specialist can support the student’s education. Assists clients in learning about different education and vocational training programs related to client interests and academic aptitudes. Focuses on mainstream education and certificate training programs only.
• Provides support with financial aid, including the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), understanding loan obligations, applying for scholarships, and obtaining tools, equipment, and computers. Offers support prior to the beginning of education programs, including accompanying new students on campus/school tours, buying books or supplies, applying for services with the Office of Disability Services, signing up for seminars on effective study skills, discussing where to study between classes, etc.
• Offers help to manage school schedule, including due dates for assignments, reserving time to study for exams, and keeping track of class drop dates. Collaborates with counselors at the Office for Disability Services, professors/instructors, and counselors at the Financial Aid Office, as needed.

Competencies:

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Requirements:

• Experience working with people with severe mental illness, experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred.
• May be non-licensed and possess an education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in vocational rehabilitation, disability services, business personnel management, or behavioral health counseling.
• Strong computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Special Considerations:

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.