Education and Employment Specialist -Rising U

Company: First Place for Youth
Location: Oakland
Posted on: August 7, 2022

Job Description:

Are you ready to make an impact?
Join a diverse, mission-driven team working in five San Francisco Bay Area counties, Los Angeles, and Jackson, Mississippi, to put success within reach for transition-age foster youth. Our team shows up every day ready to make a difference in the lives of young people who've grown up in foster care. We believe in the limitless potential of all people, and we're working to remove the individual and systemic barriers that stand between foster youth and their goals. Our innovative approach blends cutting-edge data science, individualized, youth-driven supports, and strategic partnerships with providers, stakeholders, and policymakers to drive lasting change at all levels. First Place for Youth believes our shared purpose, More is Possible, is a call to action for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our policy and practice network. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive multicultural organization that prioritizes the belonging and quality of life of all our program participants and staff members. To apply for this position, please submit both a resume and brief cover letter expressing your interest in the position. Applicants who do not submit a cover letter will be automatically rejected. Some of the great Benefits of working at First Place for Youth:

- Competitive Compensation
- Comprehensive benefits package, including 90% paid premium for medical and well as 70 % paid premiums for dependents.
- 15 vacation days ,12 sick days 14 holidays and 2 floating days per year
- 401k retirement plan with 4% employer match after 1 year of service
- Employer-paid Employee Assistance programs and Life Insurance
- Opportunities to develop specialized skills through training and supervision
- Annual performance evaluations provide the potential for a salary increase each year Position Summary The Education and Employment Specialist (EES) is an energetic and youth-centered individual who is passionate about supporting homeless youth in reaching their educational and employment goals. The EES manages a caseload of up to 30 youth in the Rising Up program providing targeted employment and education case management within a team setting. The EES supports youth in developing goals related to post-secondary education, career development and obtaining and maintaining a living wage. 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 have an understanding of 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 the Rising Up program. The EES works in partnership with the Housing Case Manager and Job Developer positions to coordinate targeted support to youth. Essential Duties and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 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, Housing Case Manager and Job Developer.
• Lead workshops related to career education, job seeking skills and other pre- and post-employment related skills such as resume development, dressing for success, interviewing and job maintenance.
• Collect and track income information and tenant portions of rent. Coordinate with housing provider regarding interim rent changes.
• Document and track all meetings with youth by creating case notes within 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 on an ongoing basis through standard assessments and in 1:1 sessions with youth. Work with youth on their individualized educational goals focusing on self-sufficiency and identify short-term steps towards reaching these goals
• Complete initial and annual assessments with youth participants within program timelines
• 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 employment opportunities for youth
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective department
• Other duties may be assigned Administrative
  • Complete documentation including but not limited to Action Plans, assessments and progress notes 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.
  • Provide on-going orientation and training to staff as assigned. Position Competencies and Requirements
    • 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
    • Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area
    • General knowledge of the issues facing Transition Aged homeless youth
    • High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work
    • 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, valid driver's license, and proof of insurance
    • Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check PI186588278

Keywords: First Place for Youth, Oakland , Education and Employment Specialist -Rising U, Human Resources , Oakland, California