Employment Specialist I

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. As an Employment Specialist in Southern California, you can create real and lasting change for those who have faced barriers to employment. For job seekers, you are the guide on their journey of career exploration and development. You have the unique capability to empower individuals in their search for meaningful employment. How you make a difference You understand the individual needs of each job seeker and craft custom journeys explicitly tailored to them. You will help them showcase their strengths, overcome barriers, keep them moving through the interview process, and provide support during their first ninety days of work. You will serve as a liaison, diplomat, coach, and mentor to build the job seeker’s self‑esteem as they realize their true potential, supporting them with the tools they need to find meaningful employment. With your guidance, you will support them to establish individualized objectives for employment, refine interview skills, and ensure they have a résumé that articulates their abilities while showcasing their strengths. You will partner throughout the job search by identifying barriers and needed accommodations to ensure an equitable candidate experience. You will identify jobs that are a good match, building your job seeker’s confidence and excitement as they prepare to return to work. Position Details Title: Employment Specialist I Location: Hybrid position – requires travel when needed – must have reliable transportation and a clean DMV record Hours: Full‑time – Monday‑Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (37.5 hours per week) Hourly pay range: $22.1154 – $26.6827 Additional Information: Find out more about Employment Services – What makes a Great Employment Specialist Great communication and relationship building skills Impeccable follow‑up skills Attention to detail Curious, eager to learn and open to explore multiple solutions Understand that each person supported will have different needs Understand equity and equality are not the same See the possibilities for others, sometimes before they do Excellent Monday through Friday work schedule. No weekends or evenings Full‑time positions are eligible for medical, dental, & vision, 401k program, tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year, student loan counseling program, 15 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, etc. We offer a career path providing room to grow! Great work culture & work/life balance Overview of Position Assists job seekers to determine their definition of meaningful employment and create a plan to achieve success via comprehensive intake and employment preparation, labor market research, resume development or refinement, interview guidance, job search assistance, networking, mentorship, and motivation. Essential Functions Assimilates information gained during intake process to aid in the development of the comprehensive career plan leading to meaningful employment. Guides job seeker through employment preparation stages which may include dressing for success, employer expectations, outside referrals, resume development, and career exploration. Develops job leads via continuous research of new employers and ongoing contacts with a variety of business and industry representatives to learn of opportunities and employer’s unique needs. Matches job requirements with job seekers ideal conditions of employment and qualifications. Assists job seeker through entire application, interview and hiring process and conducts necessary follow‑up upon hire. Delivers 90‑day follow‑up support to ensure retention. Tailors methods, communication styles and approach with each job seeker to ensure success. Maintains comprehensive documentation via electronic records and manual systems. Performs other duties as assigned. Education Typically requires HS diploma. Experience Typically requires 1–2 years’ experience in job development or vocational rehabilitation; or equivalent combination of training, education and experience to perform the job successfully. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Must be able to multi‑task and accept challenges. Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Applications (Word, Outlook and Excel). Able to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations. Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision‑making skills. Ability to maintain customer service orientation and professionalism in all interactions. Strong, effective communication skills, both oral and written, to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups, and with all levels of staff and the public. Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality to manage sensitive and confidential situations and documentation. Able to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements. Ability to travel throughout Southern California with own reliable transportation, maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; must have and maintain proper auto insurance and vehicle registration. Ability to pass post‑offer medical examination and test for tuberculosis. Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC. Physical Demands Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0‑10 lbs. Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing. Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, grasping and twisting. Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint with or without correct lenses. Travel: Up to 25% of time Environmental Exposure: Indoor and outdoor work environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr