Education and Employment Specialist

First Place for Youth•Los Angeles, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Education and Employment Specialist (EES) is energetic and youth-centered and passionate about supporting current and former foster youth in reaching their educational and employment goals. The EES manages a caseload of up to 30 youth in the My First Place housing 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 while understanding coaching principals to guide them 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 My First-Place program. The EES works in partnership with the Youth Advocate position to coordinate targeted support to youth. This position is required to work onsite and in the community Monday – Friday.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education or related field required
2 years workforce development experience (education systems, workforce development, career coaching) required
Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area
General knowledge of the issues facing Transition Aged homeless youth.
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 willing to meet clients in-person at the office or in the field as needed.
Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check
Strong communication skills – Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose engaging messages, and present data in a clear and inspiring manner.
Availability - for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Two years of full-time social work or casework in family or child welfare services preffered.
A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.

Responsibilities

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 and Youth Advocate.
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.
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 through standard assessments and in 1:1 session 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.
Plan, organize and lead monthly events for youth.
Develop individualized plans with each unique youth considering 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 departments.
Complete documentation including Action Plans, assessments and progress notes within required timelines.
Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with Program Manager or the EE Supervisor.
Regularly monitor employment and education data and use data to identify trends and present findings to the team.
Participate in agency committees as assigned.
Provide on-going orientation and training to staff as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

15 days of vacation time in the first year
12 days of sick time
2 floating holidays
15 paid holidays
Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid sabbatical