Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist - Adult Mental Health 
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm 
In-person and Office/Field

Salary: $24.03-$26.44 (hourly) Non-Exempt

Other Compensation:

Employer-paid medical for employee and family, employer-paid dental, vision and group life insurance for employee - estimated value $8,243.28 - $23,823.84/annual 

Employer-paid sick pay (12 days per year) - estimated value $2,306.88-$2,538.24/annual 

Employer-paid vacation pay (10-20 days per year depending on years of service) - estimated value $1,922.40-$2,115.20/annual for first year of service 

Employer-paid anniversary holiday (1-5 days annually depending on years of service) - estimated value $192.24-$211.52/annual for first year of service 

Employer-paid birthday holiday (1 day annually) - estimated value $192.24-$211.52/annual

Benefits and Perks: Supportive, fun and friendly team environment!

• Competitive Wages and room for growth
• Vacation and sick leave
• Employer paid medical insurance for employee and family
• Employer paid dental, vision and life insurance
• Chiropractic services
• Retirement 403b plan and supplemental insurance benefits
• 17 paid holidays, effective upon hire
• Paid birthday holiday, effective upon hire
• Paid anniversary day off of 1-5 days per year depending on years of service
• Anniversary bonus after 5 years of service
• Winter break
• Pet Insurance
• BBS supervision, on-going clinical training and CEUs available
• Employee referral bonus
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discount programs to theme parks, movies, hotels and car rentals
• Paid educational leave
• Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
• Employee Recognition

*** Clients/Families we serve reside in the Lancaster, Sylmar, South Los Angeles, Compton, Watts and Lynwood area.

SHIELDS’ mission is to develop, deliver and evaluate culturally sensitive, comprehensive service models that empower and advocate for high-risk families in South Los Angeles.

The Employment Specialist provides vocational support to CalWORKs participants by coordinating employment services, conducting vocational assessments, and assisting individuals with job search and placement. Responsibilities include maintaining a caseload of approximately 5–30 participants, providing resume development, mock interviews, job search training, vocational skills assessments, workshops, and individualized employment support. The Employment Specialist develops and maintains relationships with employers, recruiters, temporary agencies, community partners, and other workforce resources to identify current job opportunities and training services. The position maintains timely and accurate participant documentation in compliance with agency, Department of Mental Health, and other applicable standards; promptly engages new referrals; monitors participant progress and adapts services to meet individual needs; and maintains a monthly productivity standard of 55% (approximately 22 hours per week). The Employment Specialist follows the Supported Employment Evidence-Based Practice Model, participates in required trainings, supervision, staff and community meetings, and serves as a liaison between DPSS personnel and program staff. The position also represents the agency at job fairs and community events and develops resources specifically to support CalWORKs clients and families.

The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of vocational counseling and experience supporting individuals who have experienced barriers to obtaining and maintaining long-term employment. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience working with individuals facing employment challenges. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication, advocacy, critical thinking, decision-making, computer, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing program needs. The candidate must be knowledgeable of and able to comply with Agency policies and procedures, HIPAA, Department of Mental Health requirements, documentation standards, and applicable state and federal regulations. A current California driver’s license, car insurance and driving record acceptable to the Agency’s insurance carrier are required. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to SHIELDS For Families’ mission and philosophies and provide services using a culturally sensitive, ethnically informed, and respectful approach when working with clients and the community.