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 between Monday - 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 participants to identify their educational and employment goals.
• Co-design Career Profiles and individual Vocational Plans with participants, with input from the participant’s 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 appropriate education and support.
• Assist participants to apply for jobs and contact employers.
• Liaise with Centrelink/Disability Employment Services (DES) or Workforce Australia provider 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 organisation.

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 a mutually beneficial outcome.

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 (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service). 
• Free, independent and confidential access for you and your direct family members to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15,900 core packaging
• an additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• benefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses and more!
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more! 

Required Compliance Documents:

• Current drivers’ license
• National Police Certificate
• International Police Certificate, if applicable
• WA Working with Children Check

Ready to make meaningful change?

If you are interested in applying please click apply at the top of the page. Please submit a cover letter of no more the 2 pages along with a current CV and 2 references.

Closing date for applications: COB Thursday 31st July, 2025.

If the suitable candidate is successful prior to this date, the ad will close early.

To obtain more information about the position please contact Karen Wild: karen.wild@ruah.org.au

Ruah has a zero tolerance against child abuse and are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and their right to feel safe and be safe across all areas of our organisation.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.

Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.