Intake Specialist

Join Our Team at First Place for Youth

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team.

About First Place for Youth, we're a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why Work at First Place for Youth:

• Meaningful Impact: Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you'll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

Position Overview

The Intake Specialist is responsible for ensuring program census through ongoing outreach, assessment, and eligibility verifications of applicants. Adhering to program elements, the Intake Specialist provides or oversees all aspects of the admission process for all youth including verifying youths' eligibility, program day, pre-admission assessments, initial service planning, coordination with housing, and presentation and warm hand-off to the services team. The Intake Specialist works directly with county placement partners including convening initial team meetings and encouraging participation and providing outreach to youth services teams to increase awareness of programs and generate referrals. The Intake Specialist individualizes the approach for each young person including gathering relevant documents, consulting with appropriate stakeholders and vital supporters (as identified and consented by youth), and initiating conversations about goals and expectations of participants. This position is required to work onsite and in the community Monday – Friday.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and be the point person for both Alameda and San Francisco Counties referrals. Stay in constant and positive communication with both county representatives to facilitate clear and concise time lines.
• Verify youth's eligibility via foster care county social workers, documentation or homeless verification letters. If youth are not qualified, provide resources or referrals to other programs. Provide walk-in hours for youth inquiring about program.
• Complete and document applicant interest in program, assessment, participation in program day and all other intake related activities.
• Liaise with county workers from child welfare, probation, and/or YDS workers. Invite and ensure participation in assessment activities and, where possible, initial team meetings.
• Develop (as needed) and provide tools to youth to assist with decision making and to ensure youth participation in strength and needs assessments and goal setting.
• As appropriate, and with release of information, gather information from stakeholders – e.g., teachers, social workers, family members, behavior health providers, etc. – as part of assessment process.
• Lead staff meetings such as meet & greet with upper management and team meetings to confirm and coordinate youth entry into program. Provide accurate assessment information – through presentation of psycho-social, needs and strengths and other relevant assessment data to the services team. Include identification of potential stress points, potential antecedents, and strategies to mitigate or reduce risk.
• Facilitate coordination with youth and team to introduce youth to program and team for a successful entry.
• Coordinate closely with Housing Department and Services staff to ensure seamless entry into program and warm hand-off to jump start participant success. Include assurance of unit certification, roommate meeting, and initial safety-focused action plan.
• Provide clear information to potential participants and consumers (such as county welfare workers, YDS staff, probation officers and other referring parties) regarding My First Place.
• Complete accurate, on-time documentation and update information in Apricot
• Participate and provide clinical leadership in staff and clinical meetings. Attend weekly individual meeting with supervisor.
• Complete project assignments related to intake and transition of youth as assigned. When possible, act as field consultant for Masters level interns who can implement strategies and projects to support youth transitions in and out of program.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective department.
• Facilitate and lead THP+ referral coordination for Alameda County in partnership with 4 other THP+ programs. In addition, assure effect communication with other providers, youth applying and county representatives.
• Continue to evaluate intake process to adjust and accommodate to staff and youth needs.
• Build relationships with partnership, especially ILSP SF/Alameda in order to continual effectively serving youth and bridging gaps between providers and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA in social work, psychology, counseling or equivalent required with minimum four years of experience working in a child welfare social service setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
• Master's Degree in a social work, psychology, counseling or equivalent preferred.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers.
• Professional License is a plus.
• Must be comfortable working in community settings.
• Willingness to work collaboratively; capacity to work independently.
• Must be able to pass Community Care Licensing background check.
• Must have a dependable car, valid driver's license, and proof of insurance.
• Computer skills -- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems.
• Strong communication skills – Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose engaging messages, and present data in a clear and inspiring manner.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

Benefits

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee's choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid sabbatical

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future.