IPS Employment Specialist: Helping People Work

Optimist-Boys-Home-; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimist-Boys-Home- seeks an IPS Supported Employment specialist to help clients obtain and maintain competitive work aligned with vocational goals. The role involves community-based job development, employer outreach, and collaboration with mental health teams to ensure integrated supports.

The position requires a undergraduate degree related to mental health or social services, California driver’s license, and ability to pass background, TB, and drug screenings.

Qualifications

• Education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, or business.
• Experience working with people with severe mental illness.
• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to pass fingerprint background investigation.
• Ability to pass TB test, Physical Exam, and Drug Screening.

Responsibilities

• Engage clients and establish trusting relationships toward competitive employment.
• Explain entitlements (SSI, Medicaid) and assist with benefits counseling.
• Assess vocational skills and preferences; involve family (with consent).
• Arrange employer meetings, academic advising, and job fairs.
• Develop and execute job development and search activities.
• Make employer contacts to learn needs and describe supports.
• Provide follow-along supports and write job support plans.
• Educate employers; negotiate accommodations and follow-up.
• Coordinate with mental health team and VR counselors regularly.
• Attend IEP/504/Transition meetings to support education.
• Assist with FAFSA and financial aid and related supports.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Teamwork

Valid driver’s license

Education

Undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, or business

Job description

Optimist-Boys-Home- seeks an IPS Supported Employment specialist to help clients obtain and maintain competitive work aligned with vocational goals. The role involves community-based job development, employer outreach, and collaboration with mental health teams to ensure integrated supports.

The position requires a undergraduate degree related to mental health or social services, California driver’s license, and ability to pass background, TB, and drug screenings.