What are the responsibilities and job description for the ILSP Youth Specialist position at First Place for youth?
Want to make a difference? Want to help support young adults with their futures? Do you live in, or near, San Francisco, California? Then come work for First Place for Youth!
ABOUT US
First Place for Youth is the largest provider of housing and comprehensive services for transition-age foster youth in the state of California. We’re giving young people the tools, support, and opportunities they need to take control of their own lives and create the futures they want. We’ve built a 20 year record of success, measured not just by the number of youth who walk through our doors, but by the outcomes they achieve.
POSITION SUMMARY
The ILSP Youth Specialist plays a critical role in supporting a young person as they deal with the excitement, rigors and uncertainty of adulthood and departure from foster care. This position works closely with providers, such as social workers, attorneys, group home personnel, teachers, mental health clinicians and administrators to ensure participants successfully work towards achieving their Education and Employment short- and long-term goals that work towards the youth’s long-term permanency. Critical youth objectives are identifying permanent connections, enrolling in and continuing post-secondary education as well as exploring vocational training and end employment opportunities. The ILSP Youth Specialist meets individually with the youth on their caseload to provide intensive services focusing on education and employment, while working with the primary providers in each participants’ life and providing community resources as needed. This work is done in the ILSP center and in the community in person. The ILSP Center is open 10-6:30pm to provide a safe and healthy space for youth to spend time in.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with youth and community partners.
- Conduct individual case management meetings to assist participants with identifying and progressing towards short- and long-term goals that focus on achieving outcomes in the areas of education, employment, stable housing, parenting, relationships and overall health.
- Assist youth in securing full time, part-time, and summer employment by accompany youth to job fairs, job interviews and submitting applications as needed.
- Work with youth participants to create and revise resumes.
- Counsel youth in career exploration and job retention.
- Case coordinate with community service providers to ensure youth develop and maintain employment plans.
- Coach youth participants on handling work-related issues and promote self-advocacy.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate in person or virtual workshops for youth participants on vocational, educational and career-related topics.
- Develop and maintain relationships with high schools, GED services, colleges, and vocational schools.
- Counsel youth participants on available financial aid and assist them in the application process.
- Interface with special education departments and staff, support IEP meetings for youth.
- Work with external service providers to ensure youth develop and maintain their educational plan.
- Other duties as assigned.
ABOUT YOU
- Master’s degree in related field preferred. Bachelor’s degree required.
- Three years’ of experience working with at-risk youth, preferably current and former foster youth preferred.
- High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work.
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
- One year of experience working with youth in career development and job placement capacities preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area.
- General knowledge of the issues facing transitioning foster youth
- Experience in youth development model, asset-based relationship building, and experience in motivating youth.
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word and Excel required.
- A dependable car, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance is preferred
- Commitment to Cultural Competency and Diversity – Deep commitment to social justice and systems change that addresses barriers based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Let me know if you want to discuss before sending the posting.
- Attention to Detail – Ability to work with high level of detail, work has high level of professional polish down to smallest details, documents and products are well thought out and clear, database is organized and up to date.
- Driven by Accomplishment – Clarity on project goals and the personal drive to wake up every morning ready to accomplish goals, finished projects are thorough and delivered on time. High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work
- Computer Skills – Proficiency with current MS Office suite applications including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems.
- 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.
- High Level of Professionalism – A high level of professionalism in work and interpersonal interactions with both internal and external contacts, presents to others as organized, informed, and friendly.
- Decisive Nature - Well-honed ability to independently anticipate and analyze situations, define problems and objectives, recognize viable alternatives, and formulate rapid solutions, with understanding of the inherent risks and the implications of making tough decisions.
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.
BENEFITS
- Full-time position
- 15 days of vacation time in year one
- 12 days of sick time
- 2 flexible holidays
- 14 paid holidays
- Paid sabbatical
- Paid maternity and paternity leave
- Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO
- Up to 90% of premium covered by First Place
- Delta Dental Premium PPO
- VSP Vision
- Retirement opportunities
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S., and we are unable to sponsor employment Visas now and in the future.
If First Place for Youth is the organization you are looking for then apply today! Our team will be excited to meet you. Review the attached job description for position details.
www.firstplaceforyouth.org
