Career Services Specialist

Career Services SpecialistThe Career Services Specialist supports transitional age youth (TAY) in achieving long-term housing stability through income development, with a focus on trade programs, employment readiness, and job placement. Working under the direction of the Trade School Program Director, this role carries an intensive caseload and collaborates closely with Care Coordinators to ensure youth are progressing toward sustainable income. This position operates within a phased service model. After youth are stabilized in Phase 1, they transition into a focus on employment and income development (Phase 2). The Career Services Specialist leads this phase with a strong emphasis on engagement in the Padres 5 Tool Trade Academy, aligning youth interests with career pathways, and supporting enrollment, participation, and successful program completion. This role is also responsible for building and maintaining strong partnerships and consistent relationships that increase youth participation, program completion rates, and ultimately support youth in achieving independent living with minimal ongoing assistance.Job Duties:Engage youth in meaningful conversations around career pathways, with a focus on trades opportunitiesMotivate and support youth in enrolling in trade programs or workforce pathways aligned with their goalsConduct individualized assessments focusing on interests, strengths, barriers, work history, and trade career goalsDevelop and maintain Employment Plans with measurable goals and timelinesSupport rapid movement toward employment or trade school enrollment without requiring "readiness" or symptom stabilization.Provide 1:1 coaching on resumes, interviews, professionalism, and job search strategiesDeliver group workshops for employment readiness, trade pathways, and soft skillsAssist with trade school applications, required documentation, and certification preparationBuild and maintain strong employer partnerships across San Diego's trades and skilled labor sectors (construction, HVAC, electrical, solar, welding, plumbing, healthcare, etc.)Meet employers in the field to support relationship management and job carvingProvide ongoing follow-along support to help youth maintain employment, including job coaching and on-site support as neededIdentify early signs of disengagement and intervene in coordination with the care teamProblem solve employment challenges using trauma informed, youth centered approachesTrack retention milestones (30, 60, 90+ days) and help youth progress toward long-term stabilityMeet participants in the field trade schools, worksites, community locations, interviews, job fairsAttend community meetings, outreach events, and partner meetings representing Urban Street AngelsMaintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in organizational databasesMeet reporting requirements for grant contracts and funding partnersMaintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policy, and legal guidelinesProvide labor market insights, employment updates, and vocational guidance to program staffParticipate in staff meetings, supervision, and required trainingSupport cross-team collaboration to ensure youth receive holistic servicesParticipate in regular case conferencing and collaborate closely with staff to ensure youth are actively progressing through each phase of the program model and receiving coordinated support toward housing stability, income development, and independent living goalsQualifications:Minimum (1) year experience in employment services, job development, job coaching, or supported employmentMinimum of one (1) year of experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or chronic medical conditionsDemonstrated knowledge of Housing First, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing principlesStrong knowledge of local job resources, homelessness systems, public benefits, and community resourcesAbility to work effectively with individuals experiencing complex medical, behavioral health, and housing challengesStrong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skillsDemonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive informationAbility to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teamsReliable transportation, valid California Driver's License, and proof of automobile insuranceAbility to lift up to 20 lbs and work in varied indoor/outdoor settingsMust submit to a background check via Live Scan (with ongoing alerts), as required by specific programs, funding requirements and licensing regulationsMust be authorized to work in the U.SNegative TB test (within required timeframe)Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, Psychology, or a related field preferredTwo (2) or more years of experience in employment navigation, homeless services, or case managementKnowledge of San Diego County employment and community resourcesExperience supporting individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic medical conditions, or justice system involvementExperience assisting participants with Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, SSI/SSDI, or other public benefits.Training in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Crisis Intervention, De-Escalation, Suicide Prevention, or Domestic ViolenceExperience using electronic case management systems such as Efforts to Outcomes (ETO), HMIS, or related databasesBilingual in Spanish preferredBenefits:MedicalDentalVisionLifeAncillary offerings401kIt is the policy of Urban Street Angels, Inc. to ensure equal employment, contractor and volunteer opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic.