IPS Employment Specialist Jobs
IPS Employment Specialist jobs are open across behavioral health, community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation, and nonprofit social services, from entry-level to senior and supervisory roles, with specializations in supported employment, job development, and mental health recovery coaching. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The IPS Employment Specialist – provides Individual Placement Support (IPS) to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). The Specialist is responsible for conducting vocational assessments and assisting in finding competitive employment for adults and/or youth that is consistent with consumer preferences. Responsibilities include: assessing the needs of individuals and matching job seekers with appropriate jobs. The Specialist provides ongoing coaching to ensure employment success by implementing job development strategies and building relationships with a variety of employers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (FUNCTIONS) include the following:
- Builds effective relationships with, and develops a network of, employers willing and able to hire adults and/or youth with mental health diagnosis and/or substance abuse.
- Completes referral, admissions, and assessment process for individuals referred to the program.
- Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community settings.
- Using evidence-based practice models in Individualized Placement and Support, helps clients think about long-term employment goals, work history, strengths, personal culture (as defined by each person), justice involvement, and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal.
- Coordinates case management services including written job development plans, monthly reports, case notes, and attendance at staffings.
- Discusses client's preference for disclosure of psychiatric or substance abuse status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specific information to be disclosed. Provides assistance with the job search regardless of client’s preferences regarding disclosure (i.e., support without employer contact when client chooses not to disclose).
- Develops an individual employment plan with the client and with input from the mental health practitioner, other treatment team providers and family members (with permission).
- Spends 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meets with clients in community settings and develops relationships with managers at their businesses.
- Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload (up to 20 consumers), following the practice principles of IPS.
- Facilitates at least six in-person employer contacts weekly to learn about businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific clients who are looking for work and/or to talk about employer services offered by the IPS program.
- Completes and maintains all related documentation including; daily case noting, program evaluation data, monthly progress reports, employer contact logs, weekly billing, as well as any additional required documentation.
- Receives clinical supervision from CTS supervisor regarding mental health diagnosis and treatments.
- Represents Easterseals, as appropriate, regarding mental health and substance abuse initiatives.
- Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.
- Achieves monthly productivity standards set by Management.
- Stays abreast of employment trends and initiatives related to mental health, substance abuse and IPS model to ensure quality and fidelity of the program.
*NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES*
- Assists in coordinating the IPS Steering Committee and attends all meetings as deemed necessary by Supervisor.
- Assists in creating and maintaining an employment support group.
- Performs other duties (or functions) as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in human services, social work, business management or workforce development or related field required.
- Experience working with individuals who have substance use disorders or who have been diagnosed with mental illness.
- Experience providing employment services and 2 years professional work experience preferred.
- Substance Abuse Counselor certification preferred.
- Previous networking or community engagement preferred.
- May work occasional evenings.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Must have proof of insurance AND meet the requirements of the Employee Driving Policy.
- A Criminal Background Check must meet the requirements of the State of WI licensure for day programming.
Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:
- Knowledge of workforce development programs and services
- Ability to job develop and build relationships and connections between diverse groups.
- High level of cultural competency and appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to problem-solve and implement solutions.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Ability to model and develop appropriate work behavior in others.
- Awareness of disability issues.
- Effective oral and written communication.
- Must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks.
- Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.
- Must exercise sound judgment in making decisions and act accordingly
- Skilled in MS Office Suite and productivity technology.
EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE:
Includes, but is not limited to:
- Telephone
- Computer
- Copy Machine
- Calculator
- Fax Machine
- Operate a motor vehicle safely.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- May be required to lift, carry, push or pull up to 25 pounds.
- Frequently requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching.
- Required to drive, and transport clients.
- Exposed to loud/noisy environments.
The IPS Employment Specialist – provides Individual Placement Support (IPS) to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). The Specialist is responsible for conducting vocational assessments and assisting in finding competitive employment for adults and/or youth that is consistent with consumer preferences. Responsibilities include: assessing the needs of individuals and matching job seekers with appropriate jobs. The Specialist provides ongoing coaching to ensure employment success by implementing job development strategies and building relationships with a variety of employers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (FUNCTIONS) include the following:
- Builds effective relationships with, and develops a network of, employers willing and able to hire adults and/or youth with mental health diagnosis and/or substance abuse.
- Completes referral, admissions, and assessment process for individuals referred to the program.
- Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community settings.
- Using evidence-based practice models in Individualized Placement and Support, helps clients think about long-term employment goals, work history, strengths, personal culture (as defined by each person), justice involvement, and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal.
- Coordinates case management services including written job development plans, monthly reports, case notes, and attendance at staffings.
- Discusses client's preference for disclosure of psychiatric or substance abuse status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specific information to be disclosed. Provides assistance with the job search regardless of client’s preferences regarding disclosure (i.e., support without employer contact when client chooses not to disclose).
- Develops an individual employment plan with the client and with input from the mental health practitioner, other treatment team providers and family members (with permission).
- Spends 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meets with clients in community settings and develops relationships with managers at their businesses.
- Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload (up to 20 consumers), following the practice principles of IPS.
- Facilitates at least six in-person employer contacts weekly to learn about businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific clients who are looking for work and/or to talk about employer services offered by the IPS program.
- Completes and maintains all related documentation including; daily case noting, program evaluation data, monthly progress reports, employer contact logs, weekly billing, as well as any additional required documentation.
- Receives clinical supervision from CTS supervisor regarding mental health diagnosis and treatments.
- Represents Easterseals, as appropriate, regarding mental health and substance abuse initiatives.
- Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.
- Achieves monthly productivity standards set by Management.
- Stays abreast of employment trends and initiatives related to mental health, substance abuse and IPS model to ensure quality and fidelity of the program.
*NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES*
- Assists in coordinating the IPS Steering Committee and attends all meetings as deemed necessary by Supervisor.
- Assists in creating and maintaining an employment support group.
- Performs other duties (or functions) as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in human services, social work, business management or workforce development or related field required.
- Experience working with individuals who have substance use disorders or who have been diagnosed with mental illness.
- Experience providing employment services and 2 years professional work experience preferred.
- Substance Abuse Counselor certification preferred.
- Previous networking or community engagement preferred.
- May work occasional evenings.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Must have proof of insurance AND meet the requirements of the Employee Driving Policy.
- A Criminal Background Check must meet the requirements of the State of WI licensure for day programming.
Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:
- Knowledge of workforce development programs and services
- Ability to job develop and build relationships and connections between diverse groups.
- High level of cultural competency and appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to problem-solve and implement solutions.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Ability to model and develop appropriate work behavior in others.
- Awareness of disability issues.
- Effective oral and written communication.
- Must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks.
- Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.
- Must exercise sound judgment in making decisions and act accordingly
- Skilled in MS Office Suite and productivity technology.
EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE:
Includes, but is not limited to:
- Telephone
- Computer
- Copy Machine
- Calculator
- Fax Machine
- Operate a motor vehicle safely.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- May be required to lift, carry, push or pull up to 25 pounds.
- Frequently requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching.
- Required to drive, and transport clients.
- Exposed to loud/noisy environments.
See All 12 IPS Employment Specialist Jobs
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Find JobsIPS Employment Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in IPS employment specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, rehabilitation, or a related human services field
- Knowledge of the Individual Placement and Support model and supported employment principles
- Experience providing job development and job coaching services to individuals with mental health conditions
- Certified Employment Support Professional credential or willingness to obtain certification
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems and documentation for Medicaid-reimbursable services
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based employer outreach and client support
Tips for Your IPS Employment Specialist Job Search
Highlight your IPS fidelity knowledge upfront
Employers screen for familiarity with the Individual Placement and Support model specifically. Call out IPS fidelity scale experience, supported employment caseload sizes you've managed, and any SAMHSA-aligned program work in your resume summary, not buried in job descriptions.
Certify through APSE or comparable programs
The Certified Employment Support Professional credential from APSE signals IPS-specific competency to hiring managers in behavioral health settings. If you're mid-search, list it as in progress. Many employers weight it alongside direct caseload experience when narrowing candidates.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists ips employment specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target agencies with active Medicaid funding
Organizations that bill Medicaid for supported employment services tend to have more stable IPS positions and clearer career ladders. When scanning job listings, check whether the employer mentions Medicaid reimbursement, state behavioral health contracts, or vocational rehabilitation partnerships as part of the role.
Prepare job development scenarios for interviews
Interviewers in this field routinely ask you to walk through how you'd approach cold-calling local employers or securing job placements for clients with significant barriers. Practice two or three concrete examples that show your outreach method, not just your general philosophy.
Negotiate caseload size before accepting an offer
IPS fidelity standards recommend a maximum caseload of around 20 clients per specialist. If an offer doesn't specify caseload, ask directly during negotiation. Accepting a role with an unsustainable ratio affects your placement outcomes and professional reputation.
IPS Employment Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most ips employment specialists?
CNS Healthcare, Easter Seals, and WellLife Network are hiring the most ips employment specialists right now, with openings concentrated in California, Wisconsin, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Community mental health centers and nonprofit behavioral health agencies represent the largest share of active postings.
How many ips employment specialist jobs are remote?
About 50% of ips employment specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the role is inherently community-based. Administrative tasks, documentation, and virtual team coordination are the functions most likely to shift remote, while direct employer outreach and client job coaching typically remain in-person.
How do you become a ips employment specialist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field. Gain direct experience working with individuals with mental health conditions through internships, case management roles, or supported employment programs. Learn IPS fidelity principles through employer training or independent study, then pursue the Certified Employment Support Professional credential through APSE to strengthen your candidacy with behavioral health employers.
How do you get hired as an ips employment specialist with little experience?
Entry points include peer support specialist roles, job coach positions, or case aide work at community mental health agencies, all of which build direct client contact hours that IPS employers value. Volunteering with vocational rehabilitation programs or completing a practicum in a supported employment setting demonstrates IPS exposure. Emphasize any employer outreach, cold-calling, or relationship-building work you've done, even outside formal employment services contexts.
What does the ips employment specialist interview process look like?
Most hiring processes involve an initial phone screen with HR, followed by a panel interview with a clinical supervisor and program director. Expect behavioral questions about working with clients who have significant employment barriers, as well as scenario questions on how you'd approach employer development in an unfamiliar community. Some agencies add a brief role-play or case presentation before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to ips employment specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to ips employment specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location preferences, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 12 IPS Employment Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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