Employment Specialist / Job Coach, Supported Employment

PathPoint • Santa Maria, CA

1d • $21 - $23

About The Position

PathPoint is seeking a full-time Employment Specialist / Job Coach to join our employment team. This is a unique hybrid position that combines 20 hours of Employment Specialist (job development) responsibilities and 20 hours of Job Coaching (direct support) responsibilities, supporting individuals with disabilities or disadvantages in securing and maintaining meaningful employment.
Please include a cover letter when applying; we want to hear your voice and why you are interested in the position.
About PathPoint: PathPoint is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people flourish. We partner with children, adults, and families to foster hope, build life skills, access support systems, and form meaningful relationships. We serve communities across Kern, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from a four-year college or university in Marketing, Communications, Business or related field, OR high school diploma/GED and 1 year experience supporting people with developmental disabilities.
• Must have valid California Driver's License, clean DMV, criminal record clearance through the DOJ, and the use of own automobile for the job.
• Must have access to reliable transportation for regular travel in the Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Ynes Valley area.
• Culturally aware, acknowledges diverse employee backgrounds, possesses skills to collaborate across cultures, and avoids biased assumptions based on cultural differences.

Nice To Haves

• One year of job coaching, job development, mental health services, or related human services field is highly desired.
• Education in social work, psychology, vocational rehabilitation, project management or related fields or prior experience in sales
• Ability to adapt approaches and strategies to motivate and support job seekers.
• Communication skills.
• Highly organized, priorities-focused, and results-driven.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with local employers across Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Ynez Valley
• Develop job opportunities tailored to individuals' strengths, interests, and abilities
• Conduct outreach, networking, and "sales-style" engagement with businesses
• Support individuals with resumes, applications, and interview preparation
• Coordinate and schedule interviews and job placements
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure strong job matches and long-term success
• Track placements and maintain documentation for program outcomes
• Advocate for inclusive hiring practices within the community
• Provide on-site job coaching and support to individuals in community-based employment settings
• Observe performance, identify skill gaps, and provide hands-on training to improve productivity
• Support individuals in developing independence with the goal of reducing support over time
• Assist with workplace communication, problem-solving, and behavioral support
• Help individuals complete work-related tasks such as timecards, schedules, and workplace expectations
• Serve as a liaison between the individual, employer, and program staff
• Ensure safety, compliance, and adherence to workplace expectations
• Maintain accurate documentation of progress and services provided
• As an Employment Specialist your work begins with promoting our organization and advocating for individuals with mental health, developmental and other types of disabilities in the job market.
• You will generate leads tailored to their diverse skills and interests, ensuring inclusivity in employment opportunities.
• Offering pre-employment counseling, you assist with resumes, cover letters, and job applications.
• Networking with local employers, you arrange interviews and offer support, facilitating a smooth transition into the workforce.
• Collaborating with program staff, you ensure job matches suit individual needs, providing interventions when necessary.
• Maintaining positive relationships with clients and employers, you foster long-term collaborations, bridging the gap between individuals with disabilities and employment, enriching lives, and fostering inclusivity.

Benefits

• Culture of kindness, compassion and respect
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Opportunity to make a difference in your community every day
• Flexible schedule
• Mental health day after 60 days and on 1st and 2nd anniversaries
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid sick leave
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with company match
• Other perks like a wellness program, employee assistance program, and referral bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level