Ips Trainer Jobs

Under the supervision of the Division of Mental Health [DMH] Statewide Individual Placement and Support [IPS] Program Manager and in conjunction with statewide and regional Evidence-Based Supported Employment (IPS/Supported Employment) implementation efforts in DMH and in the Division of Rehabilitation Services [DRS], a DMH IPS Trainer is needed to assist agencies in DMH Region 1 and Region 2 of Illinois to implement and maintain fidelity model Evidence-Based Supported Employment programs.

• Requires demonstrated ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Partners with other stakeholders [as assigned] to effectively further advance IPS development, Illinois state infrastructure, access, and outcomes.
• Teach Drop-In Center Coordinators and all stakeholders the benefits of IPS and how to encourage consumers to participate in employment engagement activities and participate in all decisions related to establishing and achieving their employment goals.
• Training and/or technical assistance shall include but not be limited to the areas of Engagement, Vocational assessment, Job development, employment supports and organizational consultation to agencies undergoing a cultural change in their agencies to implement IPS Supported Employment.
• Requires the demonstrated ability for innovation and creative problem-solving in the context of Evidence-Based fidelity. Demonstrates understanding of group and organizational dynamics, which allows for fluid operational movement between different systems.
• Evaluates agencies readiness for program development/implementation, as defined by the DMH IPS Lead in Region 1 and collaborates with the Regional DMH Staff to improve IPS program performance.
• Experience with Evidence-Based Supported Employment, cognitive adaptations, job development and building employer relationships preferred, as is experience with the public mental health sector or other related governmental services.
• Coordinates IPS Supported Employment services across Divisions and collaborates with local DRS offices to facilitate systems of referral, evaluation and communication with provider agencies in conjunction with his/her DRS counterpart.
• Ability to function in a computer-oriented office, including working knowledge of pertinent software.
• Must be of sufficient physical health to sustain the rigors of road travel.
• Consult with agencies regarding the establishment of IPS Supported Employment.
• Demonstrates flexibility around approaches to collaborate and implement IPS.
• Must have a) received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire or b) submitted and received approval of a religious or medical exemption, prior to start date, in order to be considered.
• Assists and trains agencies on the proper use and understanding of the service definitions for Vocational Engagement, Vocational Assessment, Job Finding Supports, Job Retention Supports and Job Leaving/Termination Supports, for the purposes of billing these services under fee for service.
• Assists as appropriate, in strengthening collaboration with HCD, agencies funded by CHP and or DASA for the purposes of integrating IPS within DHS.
• Requires extensive knowledge of the Evidence-Based model of Individual Placement and Support/Supported Employment and have an extensive work history of implementing IPS.
• Establish and maintain relationships with the Drop-In Center Coordinators (who are persons with the lived experience of mental illness) and help the Drop-In Center Coordinators see all the benefits of IPS.
• Requires the ability and willingness to travel. The position requires flexibility to travel within Northern Illinois and occasionally for coordination meetings to other parts of the state [which occasionally includes overnight stays]. At least fifty percent of the job will occur out of the office, in consultation with agencies wishing to develop IPS fidelity model evidence-based supported employment programs.
• Employed.
• Provides and/or ensures training and technical assistance in all aspects of IPS Supported Employment to agencies committed to IPS Supported Employment program development.
• Creates reports of monitoring and evaluation activities and provides input in the development of policies and procedures as needed and directed for effective and efficient statewide collaboration and coordination.
• Coordinates efforts with the regional fiscal support team to consult with agencies on organizational requirements for financial viability of the program.
• Teach Drop-In Center Coordinators and all stakeholders the IPS model and how employment helps people with mental illness to recover and live a full life.
• This position requires strong oral and written communication skills. Must have the necessary people skills to be effective in establishing an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual interdependence between the various stakeholders involved in IPS Supported Employment and also encourages the decision-making of agency staff, CEO’s, clinical leadership, employers, state workers, and community stakeholders to support IPS and recovery for persons with severe mental illnesses.
• Teach the Drop-In Center Coordinators and all stakeholders to help consumers to identify the barriers that stand in the way of their being
• Good command of the English language, both written and spoken.
• Monitors and evaluates standards for fidelity to IPS Supported Employment. Reports deviations in standards to DMH and works with agencies to develop action plans to bring them into fidelity compliance.

Other Requirements

• Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to a well-maintained vehicle with $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance
• Certified in Basic First Aid including the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. (Or the ability to obtain certification within the first three months of hire)