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JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Employment and Education Specialist REPORTS TO: County Manager SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, some evenings and weekends as is required by supervisor ORGANIZATION: First Place for Youth is an innovative and entrepreneurial nonprofit organization whose programs proactively challenge the trends among former foster youth by building self-esteem, selfreliance, and forging the skills necessary for successful independent living. Focusing on housing stability, educational support, economic security, improved health, and connection to community, First Place programs are considered a national model for supporting youth in their transition out of foster care. With these critical resources, youth are significantly more likely to overcome homelessness, poverty, low educational achievement, and poor health. Please visit http://www.firstplaceforyouth.org/ for more information. JOB SUMMARY: The Education and Employment Specialist provides targeted educational and employment support, including intensive job retention services, to former foster care youth in our supported housing program. The Specialist will work collaboratively with each clients assigned Youth Advocate to support and ensure appropriate progress towards client goals. This position will help identify and develop employment opportunities for youth, and identify appropriate and effective resources to promote the educational attainment and career development of youth. RESPONSIBILITIES: Employment Assist youth in securing full and part-time employment Develop jobs for in-care and emancipated foster care youth Job carve opportunities with local businesses for participants who have limited experience and/or need a supportive work environment Maintain current and relevant job binders; regularly update binder to include new listings and employment opportunities Accompany youth to job fairs, job interviews and submitting applications; Work with youth participants to create and revise resumes; counsel youth in career planning Work with Youth Advocate to ensure youth develop and maintain employment plan Coach youth participants on handling work-related issues and promote self-advocacy Work with youth to increase success in job retention Lead monthly workshops for youth participants on vocational and career-related topics Ensure youth are meeting performance objectives with respect to employment and educational progress in their transitional living plans Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with Employment and Education Coordinator Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with Program Manager Enter all data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking Ensure proper and timely documentation of services including written case notes Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective department Other duties as assigned

Education Assess educational status and interests of youth participants Develop and maintain a resource library of colleges, including career and vocational/trade schools Counsel youth participants on available financial aid and assist them in the application process Provide assistance locating and securing academic grants and scholarships Educate youth on degree and transfer requirements Lead monthly workshops for youth participants on education-related topics Support in the coordination of college visits and tours, including accompanying youth on trips Work with Youth Advocate to ensure youth develop and maintain their educational plan Work with youth to identify and secure work-study positions as needed Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective department Other duties as assigned Job Development Outreach to local employers in order to develop permanent employment, short-term labor, paid internships, and job shadowing opportunities for youth in Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, and Solano counties. Form partnerships with local employers to provide supportive work environments for youth who need more structured employment experiences Manage employer relationships to promote retention of youth and creation of new jobs Maintain referral list of local employment opportunities in order to inform youth and staff of recent job openings Create and update promotional materials to be distributed to potential employers in order to highlight the benefits of employing First Place for Youth clients Represent First Place in the workforce development community by attending important meetings, which include, but are not limited to : county meetings, ILSP meetings, business district associations, and local one-stop and Workforce Investment Board meetings Develop job opportunities for youth in the community by developing high level relations with business owners, general managers, human resources departments and company recruiters QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree strongly required Three years of experience working with at-risk youth in an employment and educational context, preferably current and former foster youth Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area General knowledge of the issues facing transitioning foster youth High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work 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 drivers license, and proof of insurance Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word and Excel

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