Employment Specialist LB -- Mental Health Services

Employment Specialist LB

Program Type:  Mental Health — Supported Employment Services

Schedule:  Monday – Friday | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Part-Time (20 hours/week)

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Employment Specialist to join our mental health services team in Long Beach, CA. This part-time afternoon position is designed to provide employment support services to individuals living with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders, and/or histories of homelessness during high-need evening hours.

The Employment Specialist will work within a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented framework to help clients identify employment goals, develop job readiness skills, and secure and maintain meaningful employment. This role is critical in bridging mental health support with vocational services to promote client independence and long-term stability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individualized employment support services to clients with mental health and/or co-occurring needs during afternoon/evening hours
• Conduct vocational assessments to identify client strengths, interests, barriers, and employment goals
• Develop and implement individualized employment plans in collaboration with clients and the broader care team
• Assist clients with job readiness skills including resume writing, interview preparation, job applications, and workplace communication
• Conduct job development activities by building relationships with local employers in the Long Beach community
• Provide job coaching and on-site workplace support as needed to help clients sustain employment
• Connect clients to vocational training programs, education resources, and supportive employment services
• Collaborate with case managers, mental health clinicians, and peer support specialists to ensure coordinated, wraparound care
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, documentation, and client records in compliance with agency standards
• Monitor client employment progress and adjust service plans as needed
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision as required
• Maintain professional boundaries while building trusting, supportive relationships with a diverse client population

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Human Services, or a related field
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, or social services
• Knowledge of Long Beach and LA County employment resources, workforce development programs, and social service systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders
• Proficiency in documentation and case management software

Preferred:

• Experience with Individual Placement and Support (IPS) or other evidence-based supported employment models
• Familiarity with LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH) programs and protocols
• Experience working with Transitional Supportive Employment (TSE) or Job and Vocational Services (JVS) programs
• CPR/First Aid certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily in community-based settings throughout Long Beach, CA, including client homes, employer sites, and office environments. Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic afternoon/evening environment and be committed to a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to care. The role requires the ability to remain calm and effective during challenging interactions, while consistently demonstrating dignity and respect toward all clients.