Employment Specialist (Job Coach) | Non-Profit Mental Health & Community Services | Part-Time

Employment Specialist

Join our motivated, compassionate, and client-centered team!

A Workplace That Values Your Well-Being

At The Life Link, we believe taking care of yourself helps you take better care of others. That's why we build self-care and work-life balance into the way we work, with dedicated self-care time during paid work hours.

We also offer complimentary weekly yoga during paid work time.

About The Life Link

The Life Link is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families in Santa Fe who are experiencing housing instability, poverty, substance use, mental health challenges, and other barriers to self-sufficiency.

Through housing, employment, supportive services, and behavioral health programs, we help people build stability and move toward their goals. Our commitment to quality care has also been recognized by the Santa Fe Reporter, which named The Life Link the #1 Mental Health Provider.

About the Position

The Employment Specialist provides personalized, hands-on support out in the community to help clients rapidly choose, land, and maintain competitive jobs based entirely on their individual goals.

Working largely out in the field, this position focuses on direct employer relationship building, rapid job development, and personalized career coaching—skipping traditional pre-vocational assessments or waiting periods. Integrated directly within our behavioral health team, you will walk alongside clients every step of the way, providing continuous, time-unlimited support to ensure long-term career success and stability.

Compensation

$20.00-$22.00 per hour, based on experience.

Work-related mileage is reimbursed for eligible miles submitted in accordance with Agency policy.

What You'll Do

• Contact local employers to develop job openings for supported employment participants, and provide ongoing support to employers.
• Conduct task analysis of specific jobs to help place participants in successful, unsubsidized employment.
• Assess participants' strengths and training needs, and provide training that maximizes their chances for success.
• Accompany participants to interviews and jobs, help them obtain needed items such as a health card or physical, and provide on-the-job training and follow-up.
• Collaborate with the case management team, including helping select new applicants, attending Individual Goal Setting meetings, and joining internal and external client staffings.
• Partner with the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, community behavioral health providers, and Department of Workforce Solutions partners to secure training and support for participants.
• Advocate for participants and help ensure their human and legal rights are preserved and respected.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on participants.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of protected health information and substance use disorder treatment records in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Attend agency staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Travel within New Mexico as needed to support participants and employers.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Social Services, or Special Education. Equivalent experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• At least 2 years of experience training in a related field.
• Knowledge of local community employers and job development techniques.
• Knowledge of, and sensitivity to, trauma, gender, ethnic, and other cultural factors that affect the people we serve and how these influence treatment planning and employment.
• Strong verbal communication, listening, and interviewing skills.
• Word processing, spreadsheet, database, and internet skills.
• Commitment to working with people with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring diagnoses, as well as to the goals of the organization.
• Valid New Mexico driver's license and current auto insurance.
• Willingness to travel in state and flexibility with schedule.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and lift up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in job training, business, and working with individuals with disabilities.

What We Offer

• 10% of scheduled hours designated for self-care
• Weekly complimentary yoga during paid work time
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Employee assistance program
• Paid Leave Time (PLT) and sick leave

Additional Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening. A valid New Mexico driver's license and current auto insurance are required. The Life Link requires original source verification of education before hire.

Job Type: Part time

Work Location: In person, Santa Fe, New Mexico (Luana St Office)

The Life Link is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on current need and merit. The Life Link does not discriminate against or tolerate harassment by anyone on the basis of race (including hair that is part of the cultural identification of an ethnic group or that is a physical characteristic of an ethnic group, such as braids, locks, or twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, military status, mental or physical disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

By submitting my resume/Indeed application, I certify that the information I have provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any offer of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 29.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Have you ever received services from The Life Link, or are you currently receiving services from The Life Link?

Please note: Prior or current receipt of services from The Life Link does not automatically disqualify you from employment. This information will be reviewed to determine whether any potential conflict of interest or other employment consideration exists.

• Do you currently work for The Life Link, or have you worked for The Life Link in the past?

Experience:

• relevant: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $22