What are the responsibilities and job description for the Individual Placement Support (IPS) Specialist position at Hope Cooperative (aka TLCS, Inc.)?
Job Description
Job Description
Are you a passionate and motivated individual eager to make a positive impact in the community? Hope Cooperative is a well-respected, award-winning nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive mental health and supportive housing services across Sacramento and Yolo Counties. We’re seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals to join our team and support the most vulnerable in our community. With our ongoing expansion, we’re hiring and offering a sign-on bonus!
Position Title : Individual Placement Support (IPS) Specialist
Program(s) and Location : New Direction FSP (Sacramento, CA)
Schedule : Full-time, Non-Exempt, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8 : 00am-4 : 30pm (may require working some evenings and weekend schedules)
Pay rate : $23.32 / hour - $24.49 / hour, depending on years of experience of education
About the Position :
The IPS Employment Specialist provides individualized support to individuals with serious mental illness to help them obtain and maintain competitive employment. This role adheres to the principles of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and works closely with a multi-disciplinary team to support client success. The IPS Specialist offers direct client services to support vocational, employment, and educational goals, including life skills and job coaching as outlined in the client plan. Responsibilities include conducting client needs assessments, vocational evaluations, developing career profiles, and assisting with employment and education preparation and training. This position collaborates closely with community vocational services, employers, and the Department of Rehabilitation
Essential Duties & Responsibilities :
- Provide individualized support through active listening, demonstrating empathy, and conveying a message of hope and recovery.
- Observe, assess, intervene, and refer (within one’s scope of practice) in situations involving clients’ mental health symptoms, physical health symptoms, and substance use issues.
- Develop Employment and Education plans with clients, meeting with them as needed to encourage, support, and advocate for their progress while assisting with skill development.
- Provide ongoing, personalized support to help individuals maintain their employment, including on-the-job coaching and troubleshooting.
- Implement the IPS Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and adhere to the model’s practices to fidelity while working with clients.
- Actively pursue and maintain relationships with local businesses willing to hire program clients.
- Assist clients with transportation in a personal vehicle as necessary to support job search and employment retention activities.
- Work with a multi-disciplinary team to provide integrated psychosocial rehabilitative services to clients in the community and their homes.
- Attend team meetings to ensure continuity of care for clients and effective coordination of services.
- Provide positive public relations, community referrals, information, and support by linking clients to needed resources.
- Advocate with and on behalf of clients and their significant support persons.
- Accurately complete all necessary forms, reports and paperwork required by the program on a timely basis e.g., Medi-Cal billing (progress notes, special incident reports, EHR forms).
- Facilitate Employment and Education Groups focused on interview and career preparation.
- Work one-on-one with individuals to prepare resumes and complete online applications.
- Facilitate groups and engage one-on-one with clients to teach fiscal responsibility, debt repayment, and general financial knowledge.
- Provide living skills coaching, including time management, personal hygiene, household management, and communication skills to support clients’ overall well-being and independence.
- Support clients in navigating Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS), Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and connections to local colleges and trade schools.
- Use motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm-reduction practices to support client engagement and progress.
- Ensure the protection and confidentiality of all Protected Health Information (PHI) by following all policies and procedures in the agency HIPAA Manual.
- Act as a designated Mandated Reporter for the observed or suspected abuse and / or neglect of children, disabled individuals, dependent adults, and elder / senior citizens. This includes the "Duty to Warn" responsibility to notify authorities and intended victims of physical harm.
- Ensure regular and predictable attendance to maintain consistent support for clients.
- Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
Preferred Qualifications :
MHA III Certification requirements are :
A minimum of four (4) years of full-time equivalent (FTE) direct care experience in the mental health field providing mental health services or physical health services; OR
Master’s Degree or PhD and two years of full time equivalent (FTE) direct care experience in a mental health setting; OR
Other Skills, Abilities, and Job Requirements :
Benefits :
HOPE Cooperative (also known as TLCS, Inc.) provides a competitive benefits package, which includes, but is not limited to, the following items. Please note that benefits may be subject to change :
HOPE Cooperative (aka TLCS, Inc.) is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Our agency embraces a diverse & culturally rich workforce, and we welcome all candidates to apply.
To apply, visit our Hope Cooperative – Online Career Center
Final Filing Date : Until Filled
Salary : $23 - $24
