Supported Employment Specialist

• Be the LME/MCO’s point of contact, collaborating and implementing statewide Departmental efforts to expand, improve, and standardize IPS service models such as NC CORE
• Develop new IPS-SE providers and provide technical assistance in the integration with conversion from a fee-for-service IPS model into a milestone payment model such as NC CORE
• Provide direct technical assistance to sustain existing IPS providers by working within the LME/MCO to implement a stable NC CORE payment model standardized by the Department
• Review all provider’s current UNC Institute for Best Practices IPS Fidelity Reviews, technically assist providers with recommended improvements, develop plans of correction for long-standing provider fidelity issues, and when required by reviewers, assist during IPS Fidelity Reviews
• Facilitate, technically support, and invite trainers and VR offices to in-network IPS Collaboratives that include ACT Employment Specialists and Peer-run entities involved in IPS support, and participate in the IPS Steering Committee, if appointed
• Facilitate the expansion of benefits counseling within network providers, improve VR benefits counseling linkage, and when possible, improve relationships with Social Security Administration offices and IPS providers. Furthermore, serve as the point of contact with the Department for meetings involving the statewide benefits counseling electronic system
• Participate in local, regional, and statewide job development efforts with businesses and corporations wanting to competitively employ individuals with SMI/SPMI and link those efforts to their IPS providers’ workforce of the individuals they serve
• Facilitate network development of other researched-based supported employment models aligned with the Settlement Agreement such as Customized Employment, Micro-enterprise, and similar nationally recognized models
• Foster ongoing, respectful communication with all internal/external stakeholders, working closely with the Diversion/In-Reach/Transitions/Post-Transition staff and service providers, including CST and TMS, and other Vaya departments necessary to create, implement and fulfill successful supported employment linkage with members/recipients
• Educate members/recipients, families, providers, and stakeholders associated with Transitions to Community Living about competitive employment and their right to work

• Ensure and improve provider’s NC CORE linkage to VR offices throughout Vaya’s catchment
• Attend key statewide VR meetings and assertively engage VR regional leadership to problem-solve and improve NC CORE service to TCL members/recipients
• Assist linkage between community colleges, universities, and employer internships/apprenticeships, with IPS and VR collaboration to increase TCL members/recipients’ access to supported education, technical training and job certification

• Maintain the Department’s required TCL IPS data in conjunction with Quality Assurance and/or other related cross-functional LME/MCO departments
• Provide clear and concise documentation for each member/recipient supported by TCL, with additional education around benefits and employment. This documentation will serve to inform the local organization, state, and federal government.
• All contacts and interventions will be documented in the member/recipient’s administrative health record.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparation and analysis of documents; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
• Physical activity in this position includes crouching, reaching, walking, talking, hearing and repetitive motion of hands, wrists and fingers.
• Sedentary work with lifting requirements up to 10 pounds, sitting for extended periods of time.
• Mental concentration is required in all aspects of work.