Employment Specialist

Want to make a difference? Want to help support young adults with their futures? Do you live in, or near, Los Angeles, California? Then come work for First Place for Youth!

ABOUT US

First Place for Youth is the largest provider of housing and comprehensive services for transition-age foster youth in the state of California. We’re giving young people the tools, support, and opportunities they need to take control of their own lives and create the futures they want. We’ve built a 20+ year record of success, measured not just by the number of youth who walk through our doors, but by the outcomes they achieve.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Education and Employment Specialist provides targeted employment and education support to foster care youth in our supported housing program. The Employment and Education Specialist must understand what it takes to support youth skills and resources to secure employment and retain employment along with a solid understanding of the traditional school, post-secondary, and alternative education systems. The Specialist must be able to influence, teach, and motivate youth. The Specialist performs both one on one support and group-based work. This position maintains a caseload of 30 youth. The Specialist works closely with the Youth Advocate position to coordinate targeted support to youth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Teach classes and workshops related to career education, job seeking skills and other pre-employment related classes, resumes, development and interviewing skills.
• Meet with clients regularly to provide goal-directed employment support, casework and continuous motivation as well as document and track sessions creating case notes.
• Coach youth participants on handling work-related issues and promote self-advocacy
• Assess educational status and interests of youth participants on an ongoing basis the Education and Employment Specialist will work with youth on their individualized educational goals focusing on self-sufficiency and identify short-term steps towards reaching these goals
• Support youth with exploring careers of interest, identifying vocational programs and enrolling and pursuing stackable vocational certifications
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective department
• Complete initial and annual assessments with youth participants
• Establish and maintain external collaborations with individuals and businesses to develop employment opportunities for young adults

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education or related field required.
• Two years of full-time social work or casework employment in the field of family or child welfare services.
• One year of experience working with youth in career development and job placement capacities.
• High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently.
• Must have a dependable car, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
• Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check.
• Knowledge of which local community referral, employment and education resources will best meet the needs of youth in the My First Place program.
• Field knowledge – Understanding of social service systems, with particular emphasis on the foster care system and services for young adults and young parents.
• Leadership – Flexible, energetic, and outcomes-oriented self-starter who brings a creative approach to solving problems.
• Commitment to Cultural Competency and Diversity – Deep commitment to social justice and systems change that addresses barriers based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Strong communication Skills – Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose reports and correspondence, and present proven data in a clear and inspiring manner.
• Decisive Nature – Well-honed ability to independently anticipate and analyze situations, define problems and objectives, recognize viable alternatives and formulate rapid solutions, with understanding of the inherent risks and the implications of making tough decisions.
• Computer Skills – Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook. Experienced with database systems.
• Availability – for some evening and weekend work and for travel as needed.

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

If First Place for Youth is the organization you are looking for then apply today! Our team will be excited to meet you. Review the attached job description for position details.

www.firstplaceforyouth.org