Career & Employment Specialist

Side by Side•Oakland, CA

19h•$32 - $35•Hybrid

About The Position

AGENCY OVERVIEW Since our founding in 1895 in Marin County as an orphanage – and through subsequent years as Sunny Hills Services – Side by Side has been at the forefront of best practices in child welfare, working with the most vulnerable youth in our community. Today, Side by Side operates in four counties – Marin, Alameda, Sonoma, and Napa – across the Bay Area, reaching nearly 2,000 children, young adults, and family members per year with much-needed services related to behavioral and mental health, early intervention in schools, LGBTQIA+ support, transitional housing for foster youth, and special education. Side By Side places high value on individuals with a passion for helping underserved youth and families in a collaborative and inclusive work culture. We strive to work together to create a trauma-informed workplace where we walk the walk of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Independent Living Program provides every eligible youth in care with independent living skills training to assist in the transition to a successful and independent lifestyle. ILP services are currently delivered to youth ages 14-21 by Side by Side and partnered with Alameda County Social Services. There is an option for this position to become hybrid based on an on-going demonstration of autonomy and continuously meeting program deliverables. JOB SUMMARY The ILP Career & Employment Specialist will support current and former foster and probation youth ages 14–25 with employment readiness, career exploration, workforce development, and job placement support. Holding a caseload of 40-70 youth. Cultivating at least 2 employment partnerships per month with a minimum of 20. Engaging with 15 youth per month. Facilitating at least 2 workshops a month virtual or in-person. This role focuses on helping youth build sustainable career pathways while developing the skills necessary for long-term independence and self-sufficiency. The ideal candidate is energetic, youth-centered, organized, trauma-informed, and passionate about supporting Transitional Age Youth.

Requirements

2 + years of experience working with systems engaged adolescent and transitional aged youth.
High school diploma required.
BA/BS in Social Science field preferred; or equivalent experience in mental health field is ideal.
Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
Experience in crisis and resource management, youth development and group facilitation both virtually and in-person.
California Department of Justice and FBI fingerprint clearance and TB screening and any other mandatory state/federal requirements.
A valid California driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Passion for working with a diverse group of Transition Age Youth (TAY) including youth of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities.
Ability to view families, both biological and chosen, as resources and support systems for youth, and commitment to involve families in services.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one career coaching and employment support to ILP youth.
Assist youth with career exploration, vocational planning, and goal setting.
Support youth in identifying career pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, and educational goals.
Conduct employment assessments and help youth create individualized employment plans.
Assist youth with resume writing, cover letters, job applications, and interview preparation.
Conduct mock interviews and teach professional communication skills.
Support youth with job search activities and online employment platforms.
Assist youth in obtaining employment documents such as IDs, Social Security cards, work permits, and direct deposit set up.
Develop and facilitate engaging employment-related workshops including: Resume building, Interview skills, Professional etiquette, Workplace communication, Financial literacy, Career exploration, Entrepreneurship, LinkedIn/job search skills, Workplace conflict resolution, Time management and soft skills.
Ensure workshops align with ILP 5.
Build and maintain relationships with employers, workforce agencies, colleges, vocational programs, unions, and community partners.
Coordinate job shadowing, internships, volunteer opportunities, and employment placements.
Collaborate with local businesses and workforce development programs to increase employment opportunities for youth.
Represent Side By Side at community events, resource fairs, school events, career fairs, Alameda County events, Child Welfare meetings, community events across Alameda County and beyond.
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, local businesses, employers, trade programs, and educational institutions to create employment, internship, volunteer, and career exploration opportunities for youth.
Identify, coordinate, and connect youth to employment and career-related resources that support long-term career success and job readiness. Resources may include professional clothing assistance, transportation support, vocational training opportunities, certification funding, resume and interview preparation, workforce development programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and other supportive services that reduce barriers to employment.
Build collaborative relationships within the community to expand access to career pathways, workforce development initiatives, and supportive services that empower youth to achieve educational and employment goals.
Research and stay informed on local workforce trends, grant opportunities, training programs, and employment resources that may benefit youth participating in the program.
Advocate for youth by connecting them with equitable opportunities that promote career development, financial independence, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Maintain regular communication with youth, caregivers, Child Welfare Workers (CWWs), probation officers, and community partners.
Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings as needed.
Collaborate closely with ILP Coaches, Education Specialists, Housing staff, and other program staff.
Provide supportive follow-up and retention services once youth obtain employment.
Encourage youth engagement and participation in ILP programming and career-related activities.
Maintain accurate and timely case notes, attendance records, and employment outcome tracking.
Monitor and document KPI metrics including: Employment placements, Workshop participation, Youth engagement, Job retention outcomes, Career assessments completed.
Complete required reports, stipend documentation, and data entry in accordance with county and agency requirements.
Ensure all documentation is completed within agency timelines and compliance standards.
Support special events such as career fairs, graduation celebrations, college tours, and Back-to-School events.
Assist with transportation coordination and youth incentives related to employment programming.
Maintain confidentiality and uphold trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Conduct workshops and informational sessions for families and community members on special education topics, alameda county specific resources, and parent and student rights.
Develop and distribute educational materials and resources relevant to the ILP eligible population of youth.
As part of outreach and engagement, the ILP Case Manager/Coach will attend monthly tabling events in the community to promote youth and family awareness and engagement.
Collaborate with ILP team to develop, implement, and iterate on culturally relevant and responsive programming for systems engaged youth.
Attend and provide support at ILP events.
Support annual events (eg: Back to School Bash, Independent city, Holiday events, etc.).
Maintain timely and accurate progress notes and other records to document program participant status, progress toward the completion of goals, and outcomes.
Provide status updates to County ILP staff when asked for QA purposes.
Contribute to the development of TILPS as needed.

Benefits

3 weeks of paid vacation for F/T employees increasing to 4 weeks of vacation after 2 years of service (for all non-school based employees)
2 weeks of sick leave for F/T employees with 2 additional sick days for direct service staff
10 paid holidays per year and 1 Self-Care Anniversary Day each year
99% employer-paid Medical for F/T employees including platinum level Kaiser Permanente insurance, Sutter Health or Anthem options
Dental and Vision Insurance
Long Term Disability insurance up to $9,000 per month, plus $50,000 Life and AD&D insurance. Employees also have the option to purchase additional life insurance at their own cost.
403b Retirement Plan with agency match after one year of employment
Professional development and other learning opportunities including unlimited access to over 1,000 behavioral health courses online. Side By Side is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer
FREE Employee Assistance Program including up to 10 complimentary personal counseling sessions per problem, per year for staff and dependents
Employee recognition program with $500 bonus awards
Employee referral bonus of up to $1,000
Pet Insurance