The Independence Center·Waukegan, Illinois
The Vocational Specialist provides individualized job development, career planning, and employment support to adults with serious mental illness using IPS principles. They are responsible for building relationships with local businesses, managing participant job searches, and coordinating services with community partners.
Description Vocational Specialist Independence Center is seeking a motivated and compassionate Vocational Specialist to help adults living with serious mental illness achieve meaningful employment and educational goals. This position uses Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles to provide individualized job development, employment support, career planning, and supported education services.
Position: Full-time Department: Vocational Services Supervisor: Outpatient Services Program Coordinator Salary: $50,000 annually, plus benefits and bonuses Key Responsibilities Develop individualized employment plans based on each participant’s interests, strengths, abilities, and career goals. Provide job-search assistance, including completing applications, preparing résumés, practicing interviews, and contacting employers. Build relationships with local businesses and complete at least six employer contacts each week. Spend at least 50% of scheduled work hours in the community meeting with participants, employers, and community partners. Achieve a minimum of 15 participant job starts annually after the first year of employment. Provide job coaching, workplace support, retention services, and assistance requesting accommodations, raises, or promotions. Offer individualized follow-along support, including frequent in-person contact during the first month of employment and continued support based on participant preferences. Help participants understand how employment may affect Social Security and other public benefits. Provide supported education services for participants interested in training, certification, or educational programs. Coordinate services and referrals with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services and other community partners. Complete assessments, treatment plans, safety and discharge plans, progress notes, service documentation, and required reports. Provide case management, skills training, crisis intervention, transition planning, and other direct services when needed. Participate in weekly clinical team meetings and collaborate with other providers to support participant goals. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, rehabilitation, counseling, human services, or a related field from an accredited institution. Experience supporting individuals with serious mental illness, substance-use conditions, or medically complex needs is preferred. Strong communication, organization, engagement, and relationship-building skills. Ability to work independently, manage changing priorities, and collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team. Comfortable working in community settings and engaging employers. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems. Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel throughout the service area. Ability to meet the documentation and service requirements of a community-based behavioral health program.
Independence Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage Life insurance Short- and long-term disability insurance Paid time off and paid holidays 403(b) retirement plan Flexible Spending Account Employee Assistance Program Education and continuing-education assistance Paid training and professional development 100% coverage of eligible license and certification maintenance costs Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
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A bachelor's degree in a human service field from an accredited institution is required. Job development/ recruitment experience preferred. Must be self-motivated, organized, and comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Must be a collaborative, solution-focused team player to help facilitate safe patient outcomes and contribute to institutional goals. Previous clinical work experience in a health care setting of at least one year, acute care hospital setting preferred. Previous Substance use disorder experience in a health care setting of at least one year, Physical and Scheduling Requirements The position requires frequent driving and computer use, extended periods of sitting, and occasional lifting, carrying, bending, and squatting. Some scheduling flexibility may be required to meet participant needs and program deadlines. Independence Center is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The Independence Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination in all phases of employment based on an individual's race, color, sex, age, pregnancy, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, and any other classifications protected by federal, state, and local law.
Market context
In Illinois, vocational program specialist roles are often tied to schools, workforce programs, and community-based services, so demand tends to follow local service needs and funding priorities. These positions are competitive because employers look for a human service degree, strong communication and organization, and often prefer clinical experience in a health care setting; a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are also required. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm how your background fits the travel and client-facing parts of the role before applying.