Supportive Education & Employment Specialist

Join The Help Group’s new EPI-LATeam! We are seeking a bright, dynamic, qualified Supportive Education & Employment Specialist  to serve as a member of our EPI-LA Early Psychosis Team in the Culver City and greater Los Angeles area. The EPI-LA Early Psychosis Program targets adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25. The treatment integrates community outreach, education and networking with clinical services delivered by EPI-LA teams. The focus of the teams is to reduce the incidence of first-episode psychosis in consumers with clinical high risk for psychosis, as well as to reduce potential long-term disability in this population. Teams will consist of dedicated staff that will be trained on the Portland Identification and Early Referral (EPI-LA) Program model.   

QUALIFICATIONS   

• Occupational Therapist with minimum 2 years' experience working with children and TAY-aged clients with mental illness in various settings, OR  
• Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, special education or human services with 3 or more years' experience providing educational and vocational support.  
• Supervised clinical hours available if needed.  
• Experience in assessing clients’ educational and/or employment needs and recommending strategies to assist clients meeting their goals.   
• Strong social and communication skills, verbal and written, to work with and within the multidisciplinary treatment team and ability to flex work schedule to accommodate client needs and EPI-LA Model community outreach activities.  
• Ability to collaborate with community partners and develop, coordinate and oversee supportive educational and employment resources in accordance with EPI-LA Model program   
• Bilingual Spanish skills preferred.    
• Valid CA driver license with a minimum of 3 years of driving experience.  A clean driving record and auto insurance; must be willing to drive in the community when needed.   

 RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE   

• Actively participating and engaging in community outreach to identify schools, service providers, cultural and religious organizations, etc., that have contacts with youth 12-25 years and providing psycho-education on recognizing symptoms of risk for psychosis to generate PIER referrals.   
• Primarily focusing on helping clients make appropriate accommodations to keep clients engaged or help clients re-engage in school and/or job/employment activities.  
• Assisting and supporting clients with the development and implementation of their personal goals and objectives based on clients’ strengths and areas of interest related to academic success, executive functioning skills, independent living skills, health and wellness, jobs, internships, and careers or social connections.    

The Help Group offers wonderful training opportunities, a supportive, professional work environment and great benefits, including:    

• 100% Employer-sponsored Health Insurance Plan.   
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance. 
• 403b Retirement Plan.   
• Flexible Spending Account.   
• Vacation and Sick Leave.    

The Help Group is the nation’s largest, most innovative and most comprehensive nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental disabilities, abuse and emotional problems.  

 We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.