Professional Employment Specialist

IABA Research and Education Foundation; San Fernando (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Mileage Reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA) is seeking a Professional Employment Specialist to support adults with developmental disabilities in community and employment settings. You will work one-on-one or in small groups, applying ABA and person-centered practices to promote independence, community inclusion, and meaningful employment.

Responsibilities include teaching living and vocational skills, supporting job placement, and providing transportation training while documenting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, nursing, social work, ABA, rehabilitation, or comparable Human Services degree.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Experience addressing aggression and challenging behaviors preferred.
• Must have reliable automobile and CA driver's license.
• CPR/First Aid certification prior to hire.
• Negative TB test result.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift 25 lbs., and assist mobility.
• Complete Acre Training within first year of employment.
• Monday-Friday Schedule; Full-Time; 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM; 30-32 hours/week.

Responsibilities

• Connect with fun and meaningful community activities for individuals.
• Teach and reinforce independent living and vocational skills.
• Address aggression and redirect challenging behaviors effectively.
• Provide clear verbal guidance and positive reinforcement throughout sessions.
• Document services and communicate with the team as needed.
• Assist with job placement, volunteer opportunities, and on-site employment support.

Skills

Communication

Reliability

Transportation to clients

Professionalism

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology, nursing, social work, ABA, rehabilitation, or comparable Human Services degree

Job description

Hiring Professional Employment Specialists to support Adults with Developmental Disabilities in San Fernando Valley, CA

Join the Team at the Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis!

About the Program

IABA's STEP (Supported Transition to Employment Program) is a community-based behavioral day program that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building the skills needed for greater independence, community inclusion, and employment.

Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), positive behavior supports, and person-centered practices, STEP helps individuals develop social, communication, vocational, and independent living skills. As a Professional Employment Specialist, you'll provide direct support in community settings, helping individuals participate in volunteer opportunities, develop workplace readiness, build confidence, and progress toward meaningful employment and greater independence.

Position Overview

As a Professional Employment Specialist, you will work directly with adults with developmental disabilities in both community and employment settings. Depending on individual needs, support may be provided one-on-one or in small groups and may include behavioral support, vocational training, community integration, and skill development. Your work will play a critical role in helping individuals achieve meaningful community participation, increased independence, and employment success.

Responsibilities:

Every day brings a new experience and opportunity to learn, teach and support while promoting the success of full inclusion in the community! Your daily routine can include:

• Help individuals connect with fun and meaningful community activities
• Teach and reinforce independent living skills and vocational skills
• Address and redirect aggression and challenging behaviors effectively
• Provide clear verbal guidance (verbal prompting, effective redirection, positive reinforcement, praise, and validation) throughout sessions
• Provide personal care and activities of daily living (ADLs) as required
• Document services and communicate with team members as needed
• Celebrating wins (big and small!) and genuinely having fun along the way
• Assist with job placement, volunteer opportunities, and skill development
• Provide job coaching and on-site employment support
• Provide transportation using personal vehicle and assist with public transportation training

Why Join IABA?

• Supportive team environment
• Community-based role with variety every day

Requirements

• Possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, nursing, social work, ABA, rehabilitation, or comparable degree in a Human Services field
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities
• Experience addressing aggression and challenging behaviors strongly preferred
• Conduct themselves in a professional, responsible and reliable manner
• Have the motivation to learn new skills and help people
• Demonstrate honesty and respect
• Adhere to written support plans for clients
• Ability to provide clear verbal guidance and redirection
• Possess a reliable automobile and be willing to transport clients
• CPR/First Aid certification prior to hire
• Negative TB test result
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, squat, and lift 25 lbs.
• Physically assist, guide, and facilitate movement of clients that need assistance (e.g., transfer in/out of wheelchair) and other mobility issues specific to client, and stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Provide assistance with personal care and restroom support
• Possess a valid California Driver's license and provide a current driving record issued by the DMV
• Provide proof of current car insurance
• Complete Acre Training within first year of employment
• Monday-Friday Schedule
• Full-Time
• 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
• Preferred availability 7 am-4 pm
• 30-32 hours/week

Compensation

• Bachelors degree: $25-28/ hour, depending on years of experience
• Masters degree: $26-29/hour, depending on years of experience
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Mileage Reimbursement
• This role includes paid training and professional development opportunities, including required ACRE-related training and competency development designed to support success in employment services. Team members are required to successfully complete and pass all required training coursework, assessments, and competency requirements as part of the role within their first year.