Education and Employment Specialist

Education and Employment Specialist First Place for Youth, Oakland, California, United States 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 are a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. Our programs empower foster youth to overcome challenges, build skills and confidence, and access opportunities for success. We offer a collaborative, inclusive environment with opportunities for professional growth. Position Overview The Education and Employment Specialist (EES) is energized, youth-centered, and focused on supporting homeless youth in reaching educational and employment goals. The EES manages a caseload of up to 30 youth in the My First-Place housing program and provides targeted employment and education case management within a team setting. The EES helps youth develop goals related to post-secondary education, career development, and obtaining and maintaining a living wage. The EES should have knowledge of youth-centered approaches to support skill development for employment and an understanding of school, post-secondary, vocational, and apprenticeship education systems. The EES builds relationships with local employers, educational programs, and community resources to support job linkages. The EES must be able to influence, teach, and motivate youth while applying coaching principles to guide them through the stages of change. The EES conducts both one-on-one and group work, and leads education and employment events for the My First-Place program. The EES works in partnership with the Youth Advocate to coordinate targeted support. This position combines onsite and community-based work, Monday through Friday, and is part of the Transitional Living Program (TLP) serving young adults referred through the SF homeless response system. 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, identify steps, provide continuous coaching, and develop joint plans with youth and the Youth Advocate. Lead workshops related to career education, job seeking skills, resume development, dressing for success, interviewing, and job maintenance. Document and track meetings with youth by creating case notes within internal databases and within required timelines. Coach youth on handling work-related issues and promote self-advocacy. Assess educational status and interests of youth participants through standard assessments and 1:1 sessions; work with youth on individualized educational goals focusing on self-sufficiency and short-term steps. Complete initial and annual assessments within program timelines. Plan, organize, and lead monthly events for youth. Develop individualized plans with each youth considering their cultural identity, background, and experience. Establish and maintain external collaborations with individuals and businesses to develop employment opportunities for youth. Collaborate with colleagues across the organization and with relevant departments. Administrative and Collaboration Complete documentation including action plans, assessments, and progress notes within required timelines. Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and weekly supervision with Program Manager or the EE Supervisor. Regularly monitor employment and education data and use data to identify trends and present findings to the team. Participate in agency committees as assigned and provide ongoing orientation and training to staff as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education, or related field required. Two years of full-time social work or casework in family or child welfare services preferred. Strong dedication to cultural competency that reduces barriers and fosters belonging. 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 issues facing Transition-Aged homeless youth. Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills. Willingness to collaborate and the ability to work independently; valid driver’s license and dependable car; willingness to meet clients in person. Ability to pass a Community Care Licensing background check. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to research, analyze information, and present data clearly. Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed. Benefits 15 days of vacation in the first year 12 days of sick leave 2 floating holidays 15 paid holidays Health benefits options (Kaiser or UCH) with premiums partially covered; dental and vision coverage with premium support Healthcare and Dependent Care FSA plans 401(k) retirement savings plan Employee Assistance Program Paid sabbatical Salary Information Bachelor\'s Degree Pay Range: $30.52 - $32.22 per hour Master\'s Degree Pay Range: $33.81 - $35.91 per hour Note: Local candidates preferred. Pay will be determined based on education and experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr