Direct Care Floater

First Place for Youth•Oakland, CA

1d•$32 - $34

About The Position

The Direct Care Floater provides direct youth supportive services when a position is open or temporary staff are away. The role delivers intensive onsite and community-based case management to transition-age youth who have experienced homelessness and receive services through the Rapid Re-housing program. Through comprehensive case management, the Floater helps participants identify and achieve goals related to self-sufficiency, independent living, health and wellness, relationships, employment, education, and personal advocacy. The position also provides resource and referral support and may coordinate community-building activities and workshops that promote independent living skills. It works closely with affordable housing partners to support housing stability and requires onsite and community availability three days a week. First Place for Youth is a nonprofit organization supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. Its programs aim to help young people overcome challenges and build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive and live independently. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed. Local candidates are preferred; relocation assistance and work visa sponsorship are not offered. Pay is determined based on education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare, Psychology, or an equivalent field.
At least three years of experience working with homeless, at-risk, transition-age (18–24-year-old), or foster youth populations with complex presentations, including chronic trauma.
Strong dedication to cultural competency that removes barriers and increases a sense of belonging.
Comfort working in community settings.
Experience working with participants who have mental health and substance abuse issues.
Must have a car, a valid California driver’s license, and auto insurance.
Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience creating and delivering impactful service plans for participants.
Experience with a youth development model and asset-based relationship building, and experience motivating youth.
Strong clinical skills, and/or a desire to learn more about the effects of the child welfare system on youth and young adults.

Responsibilities

Provide case management and skills development to program participants.
Conduct monthly meetings with assigned participants to help them identify and accomplish short- and long-term goals.
Create and deliver service plans focused on wellness, budgeting, long-term housing, education, employment, parenting, relationships, and overall health.
Coordinate with referral agencies, identify community resources, track participant progress, and develop ways for participants to practice and strengthen independent living skills.
Prepare clients to maintain housing after program exit or help them identify alternative housing options.
Support participants in developing and practicing social-emotional learning skills that promote conflict resolution and decision-making.
Assess participants’ education status and interests and support their educational goals.
Work with the Resource Specialist and participants on resumes, cover letters, job applications, interview preparation, and securing full- or part-time employment.
Coach participants on work-related issues, self-advocacy, and job retention.
Help participants move into supported housing, including securing and transporting furniture, shopping for home necessities, and locating resources in their new community.
Conduct monthly apartment inspections to ensure apartments meet cleanliness standards.
Display and share relevant community resources and provide resource, referral, and eviction-prevention support as needed.
Schedule client meetings as needed to support successful transitions to independent living.
Support property management in addressing serious housing concerns related to participants.
Coordinate community events and workshops that develop independent living skills.
Participate in weekly coordination meetings with property management staff and agency partners.
Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with the TAY Program Manager.
Maintain caseload files and update monthly paperwork.
Ensure timely and proper documentation of services, including case notes in the data system.
Collaborate with colleagues across the organization and department.
Perform other duties as assigned.