Individual Placement & Support Manager

Overview
The IPS Manager provides leadership and oversight of AIM Center’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment program, ensuring high-quality services that help members achieve competitive employment. This role supervises and mentors IPS staff, monitors outcomes, supports program fidelity, and collaborates with internal teams, community partners, and state stakeholders. The IPS Manager is a hands-on leader who maintains a small caseload, models best practices, and promotes a recovery-oriented, member-driven approach to employment and community inclusion.

Description
IPS Manager
Department: Employment Services

Reports To: Director of Employment

Supervises: IPS Employment Specialists (5); IPS Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (1)

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Band: Managerial Professional

Location: AIM Center (with regular community-based work)

Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Employment, the IPS Manager leads, coordinates, and strengthens AIM Center’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment program. This role ensures strong program outcomes through training, supervision, and hands-on field mentoring while working side-by-side with IPS staff and members.

The IPS Manager monitors outcomes, implements quality improvement strategies, and serves as a liaison to internal teams, mental health partners, state representatives, and community agencies. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for maintaining IPS fidelity, ensuring compliance with Tennessee state contract requirements, and fully integrating IPS into Clubhouse programming and the work-ordered day.

The IPS Manager carries a small caseload to model best practices and maintain direct service engagement. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, recovery-oriented leader who believes deeply in empowerment through employment and member choice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Supervision

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate IPS Employment Specialists and IPS Peer Specialist.
• Provide individual supervision, team supervision, field mentoring, and performance coaching.
• Foster a collaborative, strengths-based team culture aligned with Clubhouse values.
• Ensure staff are trained in IPS principles, documentation standards, employer engagement, and integration with Clubhouse work units.
• Lead weekly IPS team meetings focused on contract requirements, outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor staff productivity, documentation, scheduling, and monthly reports.
• Develop and track expectations related to employer contacts, job starts, and employment outcomes.
• Attempt to meet most members receiving IPS services.

Direct IPS Practice & Modeling

• Maintain a small caseload (2–8 members).
• Provide direct supported employment services including job development, placement, and follow-along supports.
• Model effective employer engagement and rapid job search practices.

IPS Fidelity, Quality Assurance & Data Use

• Ensure adherence to IPS fidelity standards and evidence-based practices.
• Maintain caseload and effectiveness benchmarks required by the State contract.
• Coordinate IPS fidelity reviews and implement improvement strategies.
• Collect, analyze, and report employment outcomes and service data monthly.
• Develop improvement plans with staff based on outcome data.

State Contract, Reporting & Compliance

• Serve as primary contact for IPS-related communication with State partners.
• Ensure all services and documentation meet contract requirements and timelines.
• Participate in audits, site visits, and program reviews.

Budget & Resource Management

• Assist the Director of Employment in program budgeting and resource management.
• Monitor expenditures and staffing to support sustainability.

Community & Systems Collaboration

• Build relationships with employers, service providers, and workforce partners.
• Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation and coordinate regular team meetings.
• Assign IPS staff to mental health treatment teams and attend meetings monthly.
• Represent the IPS program in community forums and committees.
• Promote integration of IPS within Clubhouse programming and uphold Clubhouse International Standards.

Generalist Duties

• Support a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive Clubhouse environment.
• Advocate for member rights and participation.
• Encourage engagement in TE, SE, and IE employment opportunities.
• Serve as Transitional Employment Job Coach/Placement Manager as assigned.
• Transport members as needed (training provided).
• Participate in staff rotations, socials, employment dinners, holidays, and special events.
• Collaborate with members on social and recreational activities.
• Participate in professional development and quality improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, rehabilitation, human services, healthcare, human resources, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience in IPS Supported Employment or related employment services.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of IPS fidelity standards and recovery-oriented practice.
• Experience using data to guide decision-making and program improvement.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license with ability to obtain F-Endorsement within 14 days.
• Reliable transportation and proof of automobile liability insurance.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Successful completion of required Relias training modules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field.
• Experience working within a Clubhouse model.
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary or peer-based teams.
• Familiarity with Tennessee behavioral health systems and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Prior experience supporting individuals with serious mental illness.
• Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes
• Compassionate, recovery-oriented leadership style.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance administrative oversight with hands-on engagement.
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to employment as a pathway to recovery and community inclusion.
• Leadership grounded in respect, empowerment, and inclusion.