Professional Employment Specialist
About the job
- Possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in psychology, nursing, social work, Applied Behavior Analysis, rehabilitation, or a comparable degree in a human services field.
- Have at least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
- Conduct oneself in a professional, responsible, and reliable manner.
- Adhere to written support plans for clients.
- Be able to provide clear verbal guidance and redirection.
- Possess a reliable automobile and be willing to transport clients.
- Obtain CPR and First Aid certification before hire.
- Provide a negative tuberculosis test result.
- Be able to sit, stand, walk, kneel, squat, and lift 25 pounds.
- Be able to physically assist, guide, and facilitate movement for clients who need assistance, including wheelchair transfers and other mobility needs, and stand or walk for extended periods.
- Provide assistance with personal care and restroom support.
- Possess a valid California driver's license and provide a current driving record issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Provide proof of current car insurance.
- Complete ACRE training within the first year of employment.
- Successfully complete and pass all required training coursework, assessments, and competency requirements within the first year.
- Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include verification of education, employment history, credentials, and motor vehicle records.
- Help individuals connect with meaningful community activities.
- Teach and reinforce independent living and vocational skills.
- Address and redirect aggression and challenging behaviors effectively.
- Support positive behavior development.
- Provide verbal prompting, effective redirection, positive reinforcement, praise, and validation during sessions.
- Provide personal care and activities of daily living as required.
- Document services and communicate with team members as needed.
- Assist with job placement, volunteer opportunities, and skill development.
- Provide job coaching and on-site employment support.
- Provide transportation using a personal vehicle and assist with public transportation training.
- Work directly with adults with developmental disabilities in community and employment settings, providing one-on-one or small-group behavioral support, vocational training, community integration, and skill development.
- Implement behavior plans, manage behavioral escalations, assist with daily living needs, enter private residences, and access confidential health and personal information.
- Experience addressing aggression and challenging behaviors is strongly preferred.
About the company
The Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on improving how professionals support people with challenging behavior by promoting non-aversive, person-centered approaches. It provides guidance and resources to help practitioners design and implement positive behavior support plans that emphasize safety, dignity, and individualized supports. The work centers on applying behavior analytic methods to reduce challenging behavior without punishment, using proactive strategies, function-based interventions, and data-driven decision making. Compared with others in the field, the institute differentiates itself by explicitly prioritizing non-aversive, person-centered practices and practical resources for real-world application, rather than relying on punitive or coercive methods. The goal is to advance ethical, effective, and humane support for individuals with challenging behavior, helping them participate more fully in daily life and achieve better quality of life.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California
Founded
1981
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- BACB keeps demand rising through 2025 employment data and 2027 certification changes.
- IABA's telehealth and in-person California delivery broadens access for families.
- Rising industry enforcement can advantage compliant operators over weaker competitors.
What critics are saying
- Cuellar v. IABA filed February 2026 alleges rest-break, meal, and wage violations.
- ABA providers face escalating DOJ, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and FCA scrutiny in 2026.
- If reimbursement or compliance pressure worsens, staffing and margins deteriorate quickly.
What makes Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis unique
- Founded in 1981 by Dr. Gary LaVigna and Dr. Thomas Willis, IABA has deep ABA roots.
- IABA focuses on positive practices for challenging behavior, not generic autism care.
- Its California footprint spans Camarillo and Culver City, supporting regional service depth.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Training Programs
- Mentorship Program
- Phone/Internet Stipend
- Employee Referral Bonus