Education and Employment Specialist - San Francisco, United States - First Place for Youth

Description

Job Description

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 First Place for Youth Education and Employment Specialist is a part-time, 20 hour/week position that provides: 1) group-based and drop-in individualized education and employment supports; and 2) job development, education and vocational training opportunities and community resources across various jurisdictions. The Education and Employment Specialist will offer skills development workshops to address job readiness, career coaching, and education preparation, hold drop-in hours to address and support client's individualized needs, and build critical partnerships and opportunities for our TAY across the San Francisco Region that will include workforce, Education Institutes, and training programs. By building partnerships with employers on the front end, we address the fact that our participants often must compete for jobs against applicants who have had more opportunities for education and work experience. These ongoing relationships increase opportunities for feedback from employers, helping to ensure the long-term success of our participants in the workplace.

1. Individualized and group-based education and employment support-develop job readiness, effective job search strategies and retention skills; identify interest and core motivation; vet and provide direct connections to employers; provide opportunities for career exposure and exploration through job shadowing and informational interviews; and support youth in developing and moving through the career ladder towards self-sustainability.
2. Job Development- cultivate partnerships across multiple jurisdictions with local businesses, industry organizations, public agencies, and employment service agencies to source job openings and vocational training opportunities; identify and solicit commitments from possible sources of employment; initiate ongoing personal contacts with a variety of business and industry representatives and job placement/training agencies in various geographical areas; research job leads, job fairs and internet resources; and maintain labor market knowledge and industry trends.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned

Engage and Build Relationships: Job Development/Employer Support

• Establish, cultivate and maintain working relationships with employers, industry organizations, and public agencies to source job openings and secure employment and on the job training opportunities for our clients.
• Initiates and maintains ongoing personal contacts with a variety of business and industry representatives and job placement/training agencies to promote programs for participant placement.
• Makes cold calls to potential employers.
• Explains the benefits and employment support services provided by programs to employers, including addressing employer's special needs.
• Researches Internet, newspapers, agencies, and other resources for job leads.
• Collects data from employers related to job orders including job requirements and skills
• Matches job skills with applicant qualifications.
• Refers qualified applicants to employers and conducts necessary follow-up when applicants are placed in positions.
• Participates in outreach and recruitment activities by coordinating and attending job fairs.

Program Support (In Collaboration with Case Managers)

• Assists participants in assessing their job skills for positions.
• Administers and scores standard career assessments.
• Instructs in job seeking, application procedures, resume writing, interview preparation and job retention skills and attitudes.
• Arranges for interviews.
• Provides labor market and community resource information.
• Monitors participant performance on the job and counsels' participants when job performance is not satisfactory.
• Works with participants to improve job performance and gain necessary job skills or reviews other employment options.
• Maintains contact with employers during the participants' employment and reports results to appropriate staff.
• Prepares forms and reports related to placement activities.
• Tracks participant activity and progress data.
• Assists instructors in the collection of educational materials as requested.

Communications

• Provides program information to various businesses, and updates information as needed
• Coordinates business orientations.
• Maintains contact with and assists in researching problems, complaints or concerns.
• Provides networking opportunities between agencies.
• Serves as a member of various committees as requested.
• Assists in developing flyers, brochures and other methods to advertise job placement activities.
• Coordinates and distributes information and materials for meetings.
• Maintains current committee member lists for various committees.
• Keeps current with trends and maintains updated labor market information by researching Web sites, attending meetings, maintaining contacts with various trade. schools, and professional/community organizations that are involved in job placement/training activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required. Degree in social services, business, management or related filed preferred.
• Two years of experience working with at-risk youth, preferably those whom experienced homelessness.
• Ability to work with high level of detail, thoroughness, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead teams and hold internal and external members accountable.
• Clear understanding of education, employment and career systems and resources.
• High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work.
• Must have a dependable car, valid driver's license, and proof of insurance required.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.
• Availability to work on-site and within the community as needed.
• 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.

*This is a part-time opportunity 20 hours a week

*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience.

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. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future.

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. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.