Education and Employment Specialist

Position Summary The Education and Employment Specialist (EES) is energetic, youth‑centered, and passionate about supporting current and former foster youth in reaching their educational and employment goals. The EES manages a caseload of up to 30 youth in the My First Place housing program, providing targeted employment and education case management within a team setting, and works in partnership with the Youth Advocate position to coordinate targeted support to youth. Responsibilities Support youth to identify and work toward employment and educational goals that support independence. Meet with individual youth regularly to develop career related goals and identify steps to achieve goals, including post‑secondary education planning. Provide continuous coaching, identify barriers and develop joint plans to achieve success with youth and Youth Advocate. Lead workshops related to career education, job seeking skills, and pre‑ and post‑employment related skills such as resume development, dressing for success, interviewing, and job maintenance. Document and track all meetings with youth by creating case notes within an internal database and within required timelines. Coach youth participants on handling work‑related issues and promote self‑advocacy. Assess educational status and interests of youth participants through standard assessments and in individual sessions. Work with youth on individualized educational goals focusing on self‑sufficiency and identify short‑term steps toward reaching those goals. Complete initial and annual assessments within program timelines. Plan, organize, and lead monthly events for youth. Develop individualized plans with each unique youth considering cultural identity, background, and experience. Establish and maintain external collaborations with individuals and businesses to develop employment opportunities for youth. Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective departments. Complete documentation including action plans, assessments, and progress notes within required timelines. Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with Program Manager or EE Supervisor. Monitor employment and education data, use data to identify trends, and present findings to the team. Participate in agency committees as assigned. Provide ongoing orientation and training to staff as assigned. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education, or a related field required. Two years of full‑time social work or casework in family or child welfare services preferred. Two years of workforce development experience (education systems, workforce development, career coaching) required. Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area. General knowledge of the issues facing transition‑aged homeless youth. Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills. Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently. Must have a dependable car, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance. Willing to meet clients in person at the office or in the field as needed. Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check. 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 (EAP) 401(k) retirement savings plan Paid sabbatical No relocation assistance Compensation Hourly Wage: $25.82 – $30.67 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made. For additional information regarding your rights, please review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA. We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. Local candidates preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr First Place for Youth