Job Title: Employment & IPS Specialist
Department: The Harbor on Main Youth Resource Center
Location: Lakeport, CA
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: $24.44-$25.63 per hour (DOE) / Additional Differentials Must Qualify
Open Date: May 5, 2026
Close Date: Open until filled
Pay Differentials Offered (must qualify through testing or verification):
- Language Translation - Bi-cultural Spanish: $1.00 per hour
- Bimodal Bilingualism - ASL Sign Language: $1.00 per hour
- Bimodal Multilingualism - ASL Sign Language: $2.00 per hour
Overview:
The Employment & IPS Specialist provides Individual Placement and Support (IPS)–informed supported employment and education services to transition-age youth and adults. Services are person-centered, strength-based, and integrated with behavioral health treatment, with the primary goal of helping individuals obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment and/or mainstream education consistent with their preferences.
This position follows IPS fidelity principles, including zero exclusion, rapid engagement and job search, competitive employment as the primary outcome, systematic job development, benefits counseling, and time-unlimited follow-along supports. Services are delivered primarily in community-based settings identified by the individual.
Key Responsibilities:
- Engage transition-age youth and adults in employment and education services using a zero-exclusion, person-centered approach
- Conduct individualized vocational assessments and develop employment/education plans based on participant strengths, interests, and goals
- Support rapid job search and placement in competitive, integrated employment aligned with participant preferences
- Build and maintain relationships with local employers to create job opportunities and individualized matches
- Assist with job applications, interviews, onboarding, and provide ongoing support for job retention and advancement
- Support access to education and training programs, including enrollment, financial aid, and coordination with schools or vocational programs
- Provide guidance on benefits planning, including the impact of employment on SSI/SSDI and healthcare benefits
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including behavioral health providers and community partners, to support participant success
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation and track employment outcomes in compliance with program requirements
- Conduct outreach and re-engagement efforts for participants who disengage from services
- Facilitate workshops/groups and assist with program activities as needed
- Uphold ethical standards, including mandated reporting responsibilities
Education and Experience
- Associate’s degree or higher in social services, mental health, education, business, or a related field; or
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Experience providing employment or education supports to transition-age youth and/or adults preferred
- Familiarity with supported employment, IPS principles, or behavioral health systems preferred
Conditions of Employment:
- May work across all agency programs as needed.
- Occasional flexible work schedule required to meet individual client needs.
- Must possess a valid CA Driver’s License, current auto insurance, and a clean DMV printout (no more than 3 points).
- Must pass a clear background check with DOJ, CACI, FBI, CCL.
- CPR and First Aid Certified.
- TB Exam and Physical at the time of employment.
Driving Requirement:
- Driving is a required function of this position. Employees must use a personal vehicle that meet all agency requirements, including maintaining liability insurance that meets or exceeds state requirements.
- Employees are responsible for ensuring the timely renewal of their vehicle insurance policies and providing updated documentation to the agency to remain in good standing and compliant with position requirements.
Training Provided:
- Comprehensive onboarding including CPR/First Aid, Crisis Communication/Pro-ACT, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Collaborative Problem Solving.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available.
To Apply:
Please visit our website at Redwood Community Services to apply or learn more about our values and services.
Redwood Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.
Skills Required
- Associate's degree or higher in social services, mental health, education, business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience providing employment or education supports to transition-age youth and/or adults
- Familiarity with supported employment, IPS principles, or behavioral health systems
- Valid California Driver's License
- Current auto insurance and use of a personal vehicle that meets agency requirements
- Clean DMV printout (no more than 3 points)
- Clear background check with DOJ, CACI, FBI, CCL
- CPR and First Aid certification
- TB exam and physical at time of employment
What We Do
Redwood Community Services, Inc. is a non-profit family services agency serving Lake, Mendocino, and Humboldt Counties. It provides a comprehensive continuum of care, including foster care, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, housing services, and crisis support. The organization's mission is to empower communities for long-term success, helping children, youth, and adults realize their personal goals and connect with their community.
