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

*Masters Degree Required*

Join the Team at the Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis!

Comprehensive PAID training!

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
• Support positive behavior development
• Provide clear verbal guidance (verbal prompting, effective redirection, positive reinforcement, praise, and validation) throughout sessions
• Provide personal care, restroom support, 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?

• Comprehensive paid training
• Meaningful, rewarding work
• Career growth opportunities
• Supportive team environment
• Community-based role with variety every day

Requirements

• Possess a minimum of a Master'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
• Provide assistance with personal care and restroom support
• 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.
• 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

Important Details!

• Monday-Friday Schedule
• Full-Time
• 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
• Preferred availability 7 am-4 pm
• 30-32 hours/week

Compensation

• $25-35/hour, depending on years of experience

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Mileage Reimbursement

Important information

• This role involves unsupervised, direct support of children and/or adults in home, school, and community settings. Duties include implementing behavior plans, managing behavioral escalations, assisting with daily living needs, entering private residences, and accessing confidential health and personal information. Employment is contingent upon meeting applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include verification of education, employment history, credentials, motor vehicle records (if applicable), and other role- or state-specific requirements. 
• 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.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

• It is the policy of IABA to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Other duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

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