Professional Employment Specialist - San Fernando Valley

Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis•Los Angeles, CA

5h•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Professional Employment Specialist works directly with adults with developmental disabilities in community and employment settings, providing one-on-one or small-group support based on individual needs. The role uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), positive behavior supports, and person-centered practices to help participants build social, communication, vocational, and independent-living skills. Support may include behavioral intervention, vocational training, community integration, personal care, job coaching, and development toward meaningful employment, greater independence, and community inclusion. The position is community-based and includes transportation support. Comprehensive paid training and professional development are provided, including required ACRE-related training and competency development to be completed within the first year of employment. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, for 30–32 hours per week. Preferred availability is 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Compensation is $25–$30 per hour, depending on years of experience. Employment is contingent on applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include education and employment verification, credentials, motor vehicle records, and other role- or state-specific requirements. The role involves unsupervised direct support in home, school, and community settings; implementing behavior plans; managing behavioral escalations; assisting with daily living needs; entering private residences; and accessing confidential health and personal information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, nursing, social work, ABA, rehabilitation, or a comparable human services field.
At least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Ability to assist with personal care and restroom support.
Professional, responsible, and reliable conduct.
Motivation to learn new skills and help people.
Honesty and respect.
Ability to provide clear verbal guidance and redirection.
Reliable automobile and willingness to transport clients.
CPR/First Aid certification before hire.
Negative TB test result.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, squat, and lift 25 pounds.
Ability to physically assist, guide, and facilitate client movement, including wheelchair transfers and other mobility needs, and to stand or walk for extended periods.
Valid California driver’s license and current driving record issued by the DMV.
Proof of current car insurance.
Successful completion of required training coursework, assessments, and competency requirements within the first year of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience addressing aggression and challenging behaviors is strongly preferred.
Availability between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM is preferred.

Responsibilities

Connect individuals with meaningful community activities.
Teach and reinforce independent-living and vocational skills.
Address and redirect aggression and challenging behaviors effectively.
Support positive behavior development.
Provide clear verbal guidance, prompting, redirection, positive reinforcement, praise, and validation during sessions.
Provide personal care, restroom support, and assistance with activities of daily living as required.
Document services and communicate with team members as needed.
Assist with job placement, volunteer opportunities, and skill development.
Provide job coaching and on-site employment support.
Provide transportation using a personal vehicle and assist with public transportation training.
Follow clients’ written support plans.
Complete required training coursework, assessments, and competency requirements, including ACRE-related training, within the first year of employment.