Supported Employment Specialist - IPS, Benefits

Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer’s presenting symptoms.Benefits Specialist working with the Supported Employment IPS program is responsible for providing comprehensive and personalized benefits counseling; recommending and facilitating use of work incentives to support consumers’ employment choices; and providing information about how benefits may be impacted by employment.Essential FunctionsDemonstrates superior organizational skills and attention to detailDemonstrates ability to manage multiple high priority tasks and meet frequent deadlines; possesses and uses excellent time management skillsDemonstrates good math skills and deductive abilityDemonstrates computer proficiency - use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) as well as web-based database and other applications as requiredDemonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be able to accurately relay technical information to beneficiaries and their families in verbal and written formatDemonstrates good interviewing skills, both over the phone and in personDiscovers and develops information about community resources, networks, advocacy groups and non-profit providers to assist consumers with implementing work incentivesDevelops and conducts community work incentive seminars, workshops, or other outreach, education or training activities in order to present information to consumers or professional organizations regarding work incentives and the services provided through AltaPointe’s Supported Employment - IPS programAssesses consumers’ financial resources to determine the need to apply for benefitsProvides information about consumers’ total income based upon part-time or full-time workAssists consumers in completing applications to secure benefitsAssists consumers in obtaining documentation required for applications to Social Security Administration and other agenciesAdvocates on behalf of consumers with the Social Security Administration office and other agenciesEffectively utilizes the SOAR systemTracks status of consumer benefit applicationsProvides information about the effect of work on a spouse’s or dependent child’s benefitsEnsures the AHS Finance and Accounting department and treatment team are notified when benefits are obtainedAssists consumers with developing plans to exit benefit systems, if preferredEnsures matching of appropriate services for multiple consumers in caseloadIdentifies goals and plans for appropriate servicesProvides appropriate linkage to community resourcesAdvocates on behalf of the consumer to secure community resourcesEffectively collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of case management servicesEvaluates the consumer for discharge planningSeeks clinical supervision and consultation as neededAccepts and employs suggestions for improvementActively works to enhance case management skillsMaintains confidential files containing required information for each supported employment clientMaintains documentation for those individuals receiving servicesProvides timely documentation that meets requirements of various funding sources including Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid, and othersTreats consumers with care, dignity, and compassionRespects consumers’ privacy and confidentialityIs pleasant and cooperative with othersAssists consumers and visitors as neededPersonal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for othersIs sensitive to the consumers’ needs, expectations and individual differencesIs gentle and calm with consumers and familiesActively participates in Performance Improvement activitiesActively participates in AltaPointe committees as requiredCompletes assigned tasks in a timely mannerFollows AltaPointe policies and proceduresAttends required meetings, in-service trainings, and other workshopsBachelor Degree in Business, Marketing, or a Mental Health Discipline with successful completion of ADMH approved Case Management Training program and ADMH approved Supported Employment Specialist training Program (after hire acceptable), and two (2) years experience working in a mental health or vocational rehabilitation field.Experience in providing employment services and workforce requirements are preferred. Ability to work as an effective team member is essential.