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Form of workAre you passionate about empowering and supporting youth to reach their full potential? Do you believe that every young person deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances? If so, First Place For Youth is the organization for you. We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team and make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Join us and be part of a transformative journey for young people.
About First Place For Youth:First Place For Youth is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. We provide comprehensive programs and services that empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and achieve their full potential. With a focus on education, employment, and housing, we offer personalized support to help youth build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.
POSITION SUMMARY:The ILSP Youth Specialist plays a critical role in supporting a young person as they deal with the excitement, rigors and uncertainty of adulthood and departure from foster care. This position works closely with providers, such as social workers, attorneys, group home personnel, teachers, mental health clinicians and administrators to ensure participants successfully work towards achieving their Education and Employment short- and long-term goals that work towards the youth’s long-term permanency. Critical youth objectives are identifying permanent connections, enrolling in and continuing post-secondary education as well as exploring vocational training and end employment opportunities. The ILSP Youth Specialist meets individually with the youth on their caseload to provide intensive services focusing on education and employment, while working with the primary providers in each participants’ life and providing community resources as needed. This work is done in the ILSP center and in the community in person. The ILSP Center is open 10-6:30pm to provide a safe and healthy space for youth to spend time in.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with youth and community partners.
- Conduct individual case management meetings to assist participants with identifying and progressing towards short- and long-term goals that focus on achieving outcomes in the areas of education, employment, stable housing, parenting, relationships and overall health.
- Assist youth in securing full time, part-time, and summer employment by accompany youth to job fairs, job interviews and submitting applications as needed.
- Work with youth participants to create and revise resumes.
- Counsel youth in career exploration and job retention.
- Case coordinate with community service providers to ensure youth develop and maintain employment plans.
- Coach youth participants on handling work-related issues and promote self-advocacy.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate in person or virtual workshops for youth participants on vocational, educational and career-related topics.
- Develop and maintain relationships with high schools, GED services, colleges, and vocational schools.
- Counsel youth participants on available financial aid and assist them in the application process.
- Interface with special education departments and staff, support IEP meetings for youth.
- Work with external service providers to ensure youth develop and maintain their educational plan.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Master’s degree in related field preferred. Bachelor’s degree required.
- Three years’ of experience working with at-risk youth, preferably current and former foster youth preferred.
- High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work.
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
- One year of experience working with youth in career development and job placement capacities preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area.
- General knowledge of the issues facing transitioning foster youth
- Experience in youth development model, asset-based relationship building, and experience in motivating youth.
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word and Excel required.
Benefits:
- Full-time position
- 15 days of vacation time in year one
- 12 days of sick time
- 2 flexible holidays
- 14 paid holidays
- Paid sabbatical
- Paid maternity and paternity leave
- Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO
- Up to 90% of premium covered by First Place
- Delta Dental Premium PPO
- VSP Vision
- Retirement opportunities with a 401k and an employer match
www.firstplaceforyouth.org
We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future.
First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.
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