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                                                        *This position is Part-time 

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, Were 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 youll 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 SUMMARY: The Education and Employment Specialist (EES) is an energetic and youth-centered individual who is passionate about supporting transition age youth currently experiencing homelessness in reaching their educational and employment goals. The EES provides group-based and drop-in individualized education and employment supports to youth living onsite at our SF TAY locations. The EES supports youth in developing goals related to post-secondary education, career development and obtaining and maintaining a living wage, and offers skills development services. The EES must have knowledge in youth centered approaches to support the development of skills in securing and maintaining employment along with a solid understanding of traditional school, post-secondary, vocational and apprenticeship education systems. Additionally, the EES is responsible for forming and maintaining relationships with local employers, educational programs and community resources to support job-linkages.  The EES must be able to influence, teach and motivate youth and understand coaching principals to guide a youth through the stages of change. The EES performs both one-on-one support and group-based work and leads education and employment events for First Place for Youth. The EES works in partnership with the Case Manager position to coordinate targeted support to youth. This position is required to work on-site in San Francisco and in the community up to 3 days/week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Support and Partnership Development

• Meet with individual youth regularly to develop career related goals and identify steps to achieve goals, including education, employment and career planning. 
• Provide continuous coaching, identify barriers and develop joint-plans to achieve success with youth, Case Manager, and critical supporters identified by youth.    
• Develop and Lead workshops related to career, education, and employment related skills such as resume development, interviewing and job maintenance.    
• Provide outreach and drop-in education and employment services
• Coordinate and distribute community activities and resource connections  
• Coach youth participants on handling work-related issues and promote self-advocacy  
• Assess educational and employment status and interests of youth participants on an ongoing basis through standard assessments and in 1:1 session with youth. Work with youth on their individualized educational goals focusing on self-sufficiency and identify short-term steps towards reaching these goals.   
• Plan, organize and lead monthly events for youth.  
• Develop individualized plans with each unique youth, taking into account their individual cultural identity, background and experience.   
• Establish and maintain external collaborations with individuals and businesses to develop education, employment and career opportunities for youth.   
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective department.  

  Administrative  

• Complete documentation including but not limited to Action Plans, assessments and progress notes within internal database and within required timelines.    
• Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with Program Manager.
• Regularly monitor employment and education data and use data to identify trends and present findings to team.  
• Participate in agency committees as assigned.  
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education or related field required.
• Two years of experience working in the field of family or child welfare services, preferably working with at-risk youth, transition aged youth or those experiencing homelessness.

• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
• One year of experience working with youth in career coaching, education services and/or job placement capacities preferred.
• Ability to work with high level of detail, thoroughness, and organization skills.
• Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area. 
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently. 
• Must have a dependable car, valid drivers license, and proof of insurance. 
• Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check. 
• 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.