Supported Employment and Education Specialist - Iowa CONNECT - Psychiatry
The University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry is seeking a Supported Employment and Education Specialist to join Iowa CONNECT, a new SAMHSA-funded program serving adolescents and young adults ages 12–25 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis. The Supported Employment and Education Specialist will coordinate and facilitate the goals and educational interests of Iowa CONNECT participants.
This role is ideal for someone with a background in psychology, social work, public health, education, human services, rehabilitation, or a related field who enjoys working directly with young people and families. The specialist will help participants remain engaged in or return to school, pursue employment and career goals, obtain appropriate accommodations, and navigate educational and vocational systems.
Prior formal training in Supported Employment and Education or Individual Placement and Support is not required. Iowa CONNECT will provide specialized training, supervision, and ongoing consultation.
This position is embedded within a supportive multidisciplinary team. The specialist will work closely with the Project Director/psychiatrist, therapists, Community Engagement Manager, participants, families, schools, and community partners.
It is a hybrid position combining in-person and remote work within the state of Iowa. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
About Iowa CONNECT
Iowa CONNECT is a multidisciplinary specialty program serving adolescents and young adults ages 12–25 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis, along with their families. The program emphasizes early identification, youth- and family-centered care, shared decision-making, culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice, and helping young people remain engaged in meaningful relationships, school, work, and community life. Team members receive specialized training and work closely together through regular case consultation and program meetings.
The University of Iowa offers comprehensive employee benefits, retirement options, paid leave, professional-development opportunities, and the resources and stability of a major academic medical center and public university. For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
• Meet individually with participants to identify their strengths, interests, educational goals, employment goals, and longer-term aspirations.
• Help youth and young adults develop practical plans for remaining in school, returning to school, pursuing college or training, finding employment, or maintaining a current job.
• Provide individualized, strengths-based support based on each participant’s goals and preferences rather than requiring predetermined readiness for work or school.
• Assist with school enrollment, course planning, academic organization, study strategies, financial aid, and navigation of educational systems.
• Help youth and families understand and navigate 504 Plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), disability accommodations, and other school-based supports.
• Help families prepare for school meetings, understand available options, communicate concerns, and advocate effectively for educational services.
• Participate in school meetings and communicate with school personnel when appropriate and with participant/family permission.
• Advocate directly with schools, colleges, employers, or other systems when appropriate while helping youth and families develop their own self-advocacy skills.
• Develop relationships with school counselors, special-education staff, colleges, disability-services offices, career services, employers, workforce programs, vocational-rehabilitation services, and community organizations.
• Assist with job searches, applications, resumes, interviewing, career exploration, and workplace problem-solving.
• Help participants consider whether, when, and how to request accommodations or disclose a mental-health condition in educational or employment settings.
• Help identify and address barriers such as symptoms, anxiety, organization, transportation, financial concerns, scheduling, or family circumstances.
• Provide ongoing follow-along support after a participant begins school, training, or employment rather than ending services once placement is achieved.
• Coordinate with families, schools, colleges, employers, vocational programs, and community agencies as appropriate.
• Work closely with the Project Director/psychiatrist and Iowa CONNECT clinical team so that educational, vocational, and functional goals are incorporated into the participant’s overall care plan.
• Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultation, supervision, and role-specific training.
• Track goals, interventions, accommodations, school/work participation, and outcomes.
• Participate in fidelity monitoring and continuous quality-improvement activities related to supported employment and education.
Classification Title: Behavioral Health Coordinator, PJA1
Working Title: Supported Employment and Education Specialist
Department/Division: Psychiatry
Staff Type: Professional and Scientific
Pay Level: 2A
Type of Position: 50-100%, Specified Term, 12 months with possibility of extension
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, public health, education, human services, rehabilitation, sociology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Reasonable (6 months – 1 year) administrative or program support experience.
• Interest in working with adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing mental-health challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to provide practical, strengths-based support while encouraging independence and self-advocacy.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and follow-through skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn and implement evidence-based Supported Employment and Education approaches.
• Current valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the University Driving Policy Standards.
Desirable Qualifications
• Education or professional training in occupational therapy or occupational therapy assisting, particularly related to school or work participation, daily functioning, or community integration.
• Experience working with adolescents, young adults, or families.
• Experience in mental health, education, career services, vocational rehabilitation, case management, public health, community programs, or youth services.
• Experience helping individuals navigate school, employment, disability, or community systems.
• Familiarity with IEPs, 504 Plans, academic accommodations, college disability services, or special-education systems.
• Familiarity with schools, colleges, workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, or community resources in Iowa.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing serious or emerging mental-health concerns.
• Experience in an academic medical center, behavioral-health setting, school, or youth-serving organization.
Application Process
In order to be considered, applicants must upload a Cover Letter and Resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Professional references will be required at a later time in the recruitment process.
For more information, contact lori-posey@uiowa.edu .
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
