Individual Placement Support Vocational Specialist

Providing Individual Placement and Support (Employment) for Ruah clients as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Mental Health and Wellness Service.
About Ruah Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia's community services sector.
Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence, and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.
Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA's biggest Peer support workforces.
Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated, and embraced.
By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.
About the Role This position will provide Individual Placement and Support (IPS) vocational services to adults with mental illness.
Under the IPS Program, the Vocational Specialist will be fully integrated into Ruah Teams within the Mental Health and Wellness Service.
The IPS specialist is expected to work from different offices and community locations.
The Vocational Specialist will provide career development advice, vocational, and employment assistance to adults with mental illness to ensure they can achieve and maintain sustainable participation in vocational education and employment.
This is a full-time maximum-term contract for a 12-month period, working 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Key responsibilities of the role include: Adhere to the principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) when providing vocational support to participants.
Case management of active participants, assisting them to identify their educational and employment goals.
Co-design Career Profiles and individual Vocational Plans with participants, with input from their community workers.
Provide education, vocation, and employment support in conjunction with a participant's community worker.
Conduct regular job development and job search activities with participants.
Develop a broad range of employer relationships in the local community to ensure suitable job matches and provide employers with appropriate education and support.
Assist participants to apply for jobs and contact employers.
Liaise with Centrelink / Disability Employment Services (DES) or Workforce Australia providers where applicable.
Provide post-placement planning and in-work support to participants as required.
Join us during an exciting time of change and growth and have a real impact with a progressive community organization.
What we're looking for The successful applicant will be required to meet the following criteria: Completion of relevant tertiary qualification.
Experience working with adults with mental health needs or disabilities.
Knowledge or experience in employment services or other social inclusion services, including relevant legislation and local labour market trends.
Knowledge of local education providers and the admissions systems.
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of Individual Placement and Support evidence-based supported employment.
Demonstrated recovery-focused, person-centred attitude towards people with mental health needs and disabilities.
Experience working with adults experiencing mental health needs.
Excellent organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet organisational outcomes.
Ability to work proactively and flexibly to meet individual needs.
Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver person-centred plans and supports.
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and proven ability to build and nurture relationships at a personal, organisational, and community level.
Ability to work from different Ruah locations and in the community.
Well-developed computer, technology, and administration skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to provide individualised job support to clients and employers.
Ability to negotiate with and influence a variety of stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Ruah aims to promote measures to achieve equality.
Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act applies to this role.
What do we offer?A salary aligned with Level 4 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (and the SCHADS Award), starting at $88,372 per annum.5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% annual leave loading.16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months' service).
Free, independent, and confidential access for you and your immediate family members to our Employee Assistance Program.
Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for commuting to and from work).
Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging options to extend your take-home pay, including:up to $15,900 core packagingan additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packagingbenefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses, and moreOpportunities to be active in the Ruah Community include participating in various working groups, Pride events, cultural events promoting reconciliation, and more.
Required Compliance Documents: Current driver's license National Police Certificate International Police Certificate, if applicable WA Working with Children Check Ready to make meaningful change?If interested, please click 'Apply' at the top of the page.
Submit a cover letter (max 2 pages), a current CV, and 2 references.
Closing date: COB Thursday, 31 July 2025.
Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
For more information, contact Karen Wild at karen.wild@ruah.org.au.
Ruah has a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Everyone is welcome.
Everyone belongs.
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