Employment Specialist

Location: California

Employment Specialist – Children's Institute

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Works to prepare Cal Works, ITSP, Innovations, Project Fatherhood and other relevant program participants to be job ready. This includes completion of a career profile, developing employment focused goals and resume building and providing care coordination services such as screening, intake, coaching, skill‑building, and referral to community agencies.

Summary

The Employment Specialist facilitates job readiness for program participants, collaborates with mental health teams, develops new business contacts, and supports clients throughout the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

Essential Duties

• Engage clients in vocational assessment to identify skills, education, employment history, strengths, and barriers.
• Assist clients in developing an employment and/or educational plan, collaborating with the mental health team.
• Develop new business contacts aligned with consumers’ career goals (minimum 24 contacts within one month per IPS model).
• Generate job leads for seekers and spend 65% of total time fielding clients.
• Inform Gain Services Worker of client status (specific to Cal Works program).
• Update client employment status documentation and complete follow‑along plans.
• Coach and train job seekers in resume writing, interview skills, and job searching.
• Maintain and submit weekly and monthly client/data rosters for the IPC model.
• Report monthly to DMH and contribute to annual fidelity reviews.
• Collaborate with agency staff and community partners to optimize outcomes.
• Accompany clients to job interviews and provide on‑site coaching.
• Consult with clinical team to address mental health concerns.
• Support clients through transitions and conduct goal setting every 3 months.
• Intake process support for accessing Work Source and/or Department of Rehabilitation services.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with other agencies, government programs, and service providers.
• Participate in initial intake interviews, complete paperwork, and maintain documentation.

Additional Duties

Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field from a four‑year university.

Other Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and state‑required auto insurance.
• Extensive travel (>50% of the time).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Spanish/English bilingual preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information and maintain patient privacy.
• Participation in performance quality improvement activities.
• Cultural and socioeconomic sensitivity with service populations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Punctual and dependable attendance.
• Free from alcohol and drug abuse.
• Understanding and participation in CII’s basic philosophy and mission.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• None required.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, E‑mail and other Windows programs.
• Database software proficiency.

Vision Requirements

• No special vision requirements.

Noise Level

• Moderate.

Required Training

• New Hire Orientation
• Mandated Reporter
• AB‑1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention

Compensation

$23.88 USD – $28.66 USD per hour. Compensation will be determined based on permitted factors by California law. New hires will be offered a salary at the starting point of the range with potential future growth.

Benefits

• Generous paid PTO, plus 10 paid holidays and closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Up to $4,500 tuition reimbursement per calendar year.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Employer paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance.
• Opportunity for growth & advancement.
• Professional development & training.
• Team building and bonding events.

Contingencies

• Influenza immunization or declination.
• COVID‑19, MMR and Tdap immunizations.
• Education verification and background checks.
• Reference check.
• Drug and alcohol screening.
• Tuberculosis screening.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Human Resources

Industries

Non‑profit Organizations

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