Education and Employment Specialist

Safe Place For Youth•Venice, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Education and Employment Specialist provides education and employment services to youth ages 18–25 who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The role supports positive educational and workforce development outcomes, career pathway development, and the ability to secure and maintain employment. Services are delivered in a supportive, trauma-informed environment and include individualized planning, education and employment programming, employer engagement, and ongoing support for youth. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt, on-site position at Safe Place for Youth’s Access Center in Venice, California. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The position reports to the Education and Employment Supervisor and requires driving. The listed pay rate is $24.00 per hour. Safe Place for Youth is a West Los Angeles service provider for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Its programs include street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of experience in an educator or employment services environment.
Strong computer skills and knowledge, including word processing, database operations, spreadsheets, and other software systems.
Ability to coordinate and/or oversee the successful completion of projects.
Experience working with homeless and at-risk youth.
Good verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail, and interpersonal skills.
Reliable transportation, a valid California driver’s license, and proof of current insurance.
Provide a copy of the driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, a copy of a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance; job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.
Comply with mandated reporter requirements to report reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.
Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and, if eligible, booster vaccination, or contact HR to request a reasonable accommodation or exemption.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Two years of experience in a social service setting with youth.

Responsibilities

Provide direct education and employment services to youth ages 18–25 who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.
Collaborate with youth to develop individualized education and employment case plans tailored to their goals and needs.
Coordinate, implement, and monitor participants’ education and employment plans, including GED preparation, high school completion, post-secondary enrollment, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, and life skills training.
Develop and facilitate educational and life skills programming focused on job readiness, career preparation, and workforce development.
Plan and coordinate workshops, guest speakers, and community presentations related to education, employment, and professional development.
Facilitate groups, workshops, and youth engagement activities in a supportive and trauma-informed environment.
Conduct outreach and cultivate partnerships with employers, hiring managers, human resource professionals, and business owners to create job and internship opportunities for youth with diverse educational and employment backgrounds, including justice-involved youth.
Organize and supervise educational outings, job fairs, career fairs, college tours, and other enrichment activities.
Support youth in navigating personal, social, and interpersonal challenges that may affect educational and employment success.
Maintain supportive engagement with youth who complete or graduate from the program and help develop an alumni peer support network for current participants.
Assist with coordinating volunteer activities and support staff with program operations and special projects.
Prepare monthly program reports, funding documentation, case notes, and other administrative materials related to education and employment services.
Participate in staff meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, trainings, and community collaborations as required.
Transport and accompany youth to employment, educational, and community resource events as needed.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.